New VA Clinic groundbreaking ceremony recognizes sacrifices made by veterans

The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) broke ground on a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at 1106 Military Blvd in Decorah, Iowa, [lot to the west side of Country Inn and Suites], Tuesday to expand VA care and services to area Veterans. The new VA outpatient clinic will total approximately 17,000 square feet. This space will allow the VA the ability to grow Primary Care and Mental Health services to Veterans, reducing travel time and adding convenience for patients. City of Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski participated in the groundbreaking ceremony, along with Senior Architect from ISG, Inc., Dana Pedersen, Administrative Officer of the Decorah Clinic Karla O'Connell, Clinic Manager of the Decorah Clinic Dana Helton and Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System Judith Johnson-Mekota. "The creation of this clinic is a testament to our enduring gratitude and recognition of the sacrifices made by our veterans," Senior Architect from ISG, Inc. Dana Pedersen said during the ceremony. "It stands as a symbol of our dedication to providing them with the best possible health care and support." "I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Department of Veterans Affairs for entrusting us with this important project. It has been an incredible journey to bring this vision to life and I am proud of the collaboration between my team and the VA to make this clinic a reality," Pedersen continued. "I look forward to the positive impact this clinic will have on the lives of our veterans." Mayor Borowski shared her thoughts on the new outpatient clinic after the groundbreaking ceremony. "I am so thrilled to have the VA clinic that's going to be here," Mayor Borowski said. "The northeast corner of Iowa can sometimes be a little bit forgotten; but it's going to be a fantastic addition to the community." Dana Pedersen, Senior Architect from ISG, Inc., speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony. Dana Helton, Clinic Manager Decorah Clinic; City of Decorah Mayor Lorraine Borowski and Judith Johnson-Mekota Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System look on. Video by Alexander Rosenow/DecorahNews.com