The South Texas Veterans Health Care System and Wilford Hall Medical Center announced construction of the North Central Federal Clinic during a groundbreaking ceremony Feb. 14. The new clinic will be located in north San Antonio and is scheduled to open in October.

“This clinic is an innovative venture between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to treat both VA and DOD beneficiaries,” said Jose Coronado, director of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. “We are exploring new ways of working together as one organization.”

The Air Force and VA will jointly operate the 30,000-square-foot outpatient clinic which will serve both VA and DOD beneficiaries. The clinic will be staffed by four VA and four Air Force providers, offering services to approximately 10,000 veterans and military family members. Active duty military members will continue to see their established primary care manager.

Specialty care will include mental health, nutrition, optometry, pediatrics and women’s health services. The clinic will also offer on-site pharmacy, laboratory and radiology services.

“I am very enthusiastic about this joint venture,” said Brig. Gen. (Dr.) David Young, 59th Medical Wing commander. “We (the Air Force and VA) worked closely together providing support to hurricane evacuees last year. I look forward to working with Mr. Coronado again to execute this project that will provide a convenient location for beneficiaries living in this part of San Antonio.”