Northern Nevada’s veterans are set to benefit from improved healthcare access as a new $224 million Veterans Affairs hospital has been approved for construction in Reno. Following advocacy efforts from Nevada’s congressional delegation, President Biden included the funding in the 2024 budget proposal under the Fiscal Year 2024 Veterans Affairs Major Medical Facility Authorization Act. This initiative, totaling $3.35 billion nationwide, aims to modernize medical facilities and provide critical care to America’s veterans.

The new hospital, located on a 50-acre campus at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve veterans across Northern Nevada and neighboring regions, stretching from Sacramento to Salt Lake City. This strategic location offers proximity to existing hospitals, creating a hub for advanced care while improving convenience for veterans who have long relied on an outdated healthcare system.

Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Armed Services Committee, underscored the practicality of building a new facility rather than upgrading the old one. “It would actually be more cost-effective and so much better if we could build a new hospital,” Rosen explained, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and forward-thinking infrastructure investments.

The benefits extend far beyond healthcare. The project will integrate UNR’s medical and nursing schools, the School of Social Work, and the Nevada State Public Health Lab. It will not only enhance education and training for healthcare professionals but also create high-quality jobs in the region. From physical therapy to radiology and advanced surgical technology, students will gain real-world experience in a modern healthcare environment, ensuring a strong workforce pipeline to serve Nevada’s growing veteran population.

The hospital’s construction represents a significant economic boost, bringing job opportunities and infrastructure upgrades, including a separate parking garage to ensure smooth operations for both the hospital and the university. The current VA hospital will remain operational until the new facility is complete, minimizing disruption to veteran care.

This project highlights the importance of prioritizing those who served our nation while investing in practical, long-term solutions that strengthen local economies and community resources. With Northern Nevada veterans at the forefront, the new facility is a powerful reminder that honoring our heroes requires action, not just words.

As construction begins, this state-of-the-art campus will set a new standard for veteran care and serve as a model for integrating healthcare, education, and economic development in one unified vision.

Source: 2 News Reno