To better serve local veterans who now have to travel outside Indian River County to see a specialist, the Veterans Affairs Administration will open an Outpatient Multispecialty Clinic just east of Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital in Vero’s main medical corridor.

The project, which the VA prioritized in its 2023-24 Long-range Capital Plan, will cost an estimated $17 million to build out and equip the leased space. The new facility is expected to open in March and will be located at 777 37th Street, now called the Riverside Medical Center but better known locally as the 777 building.

Also in the VA capital plan is $1.3 million for renovations to the existing Community-Based Outpatient Clinic on 17th Street in Vero Beach, so that location is set to remain in place to continue to deliver primary care services to Vero’s veterans.

Among the medical specialties that the VA expects to offer at the Outpatient Multispecialty Clinic are audiology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, optometry, podiatry, pulmonology and urology. In addition to those much in-demand medical specialties, the new outpatient clinic will also offer chiropractic care, dental services, physical therapy, on-site laboratory services and specialists trained in fitting veterans with appropriate prosthetics to enhance their mobility, independence and quality of life.

Veterans Council of Indian River County Executive Director Cynthia Ryan shared the good news with local veterans via her email newsletter, saying she was thrilled to hear that the project would soon be a reality. “The Veterans Council of Indian River County is honored to have championed this initiative through our unwavering advocacy and collaborative efforts, ensuring that the veterans of Indian River County receive the care they deserve,” Ryan said.

Ryan also included a letter sent to local veterans under the care of the West Palm Beach VA Health system giving a few details about the scope of the clinic, that will span 20,000 square feet of office and treatment space.