Veterans in North Alabama now have expanded access to specialty medical care and transportation services following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning at UAB Medicine Huntsville.
The Birmingham VA Health Care System marked the opening of the new Huntsville South VA Specialty Care Clinic and the launch of the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP) — both aimed at improving access to care in one of the state’s fastest-growing veteran populations.
The 7,000-square-foot specialty clinic will offer cardiology, chemotherapy infusion, podiatry and neurology services. VA officials said the first patients are scheduled to be seen Monday.
The clinic operates in partnership with UAB Medicine Huntsville and builds on a 2024 sharing agreement between the VA and Fox Army Health Center to expand services for veterans and active-duty military members.
In addition to expanded specialty care, the Veterans Transportation Program will provide free transportation for veterans traveling to authorized VA appointments within a 50-mile radius of the Huntsville VA Clinic.
The service is designed to ensure transportation challenges do not prevent veterans, particularly those in rural areas or with mobility issues, from receiving care.
The transportation program has already provided rides to more than 20,000 veterans since launching in the Birmingham area in December 2023.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong praised the expansion, calling it a significant step forward for local veterans.
“This new Specialty Care Clinic in Huntsville is going to better serve our veterans by improving access to care and reducing wait times,” Strong said.
“Our veterans deserve the direct-VA medical care and should not have to drive hours to get it. That’s why I’ve pushed for expanded care right here in North Alabama — including a dedicated VA Health Care Center, dental clinic, and additional mental health support services.”
Strong has also supported efforts to expand burial and dental services for veterans in the region, including backing a federal grant for a new Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs veterans cemetery in Madison County and advocating for a future VA dental clinic between Huntsville and Decatur.
VA officials said Friday’s ribbon cutting represents part of a broader long-term investment in North Alabama. Planned future projects include a 20,000-square-foot women’s health clinic, a 20,000-square-foot mental health clinic with space for home-based primary care and social work, and a 24,000-square-foot dental clinic in Greenbriar.
Officials said the expansions reflect the VA’s ongoing commitment to improving access, reducing wait times and ensuring veterans can receive high-quality care close to home.
