Southeast Missouri State University student publication

New VA building makes health care more accessible for SEMO veterans

Sunday, March 20, 2022
The Department of Veteran Affairs opens its doors at its new facility. Located in Cape Girardeau, veterans no longer have to make the long drive for care.
Photo by Cameron Edwards

Cape Girardeau celebrated the grand opening of a new Department of Veterans Affairs building at 711 S. Mount Auburn Rd on Feb 26.

The center provides specialty clinics similar to the VA hospital located in Poplar Bluff, Mo., making it easier for veterans to receive care without having to travel as far.

SEMO veteran students look forward to utilizing the new facility. Between taking classes and working, many students do not have the time to travel the hour and half to see a specialty doctor in Poplar Bluff.

SEMO’s Army Gold Program Staff Sergeant Phillip Hill said he is thankful for having somewhere to go locally for his healthcare.

“There is a small VA clinic here in Cape, but if I need something done out of their capabilities, I have to go to Poplar Bluff or not go at all,” Hill said. “This makes it so much easier for the people around here.”

The new VA building is more than five times bigger than the size of the old clinic and more patients getting seen.

SEMO alum Joseph “Danny” Broach said he has been waiting for a facility such as the one in Cape Girardeau for some time.

“I always wondered why we didn’t have one here sooner, with Cape Girardeau being a hub for veterans,” Broach said. “We have a large veteran’s home here, then you have the vets attending SEMO who just don’t have the time to make a long trip to see the doctor.”

The clinic serves approximately 5,000 veterans now and plans to open more specialty clinics soon at the Cape Girardeau location, including services to help patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To learn more about services provided at the VA hospital, hours of operation and specialty clinics, contact the Department of Veteran Services Cape Girardeau Health Center.

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