CHEYENNE, WY — August 10, 2025 — The Cheyenne VA Health Care System has officially begun construction on a major expansion of its emergency department at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center, marking a significant step forward in its mission to provide world-class care for Veterans.

The new facility, located at 2360 East Pershing Boulevard, will grow from 3,000 square feet to 7,500 square feet, increasing its size by 150 percent. The renovated space will meet modern building code standards, feature state-of-the-art medical equipment, and create a more efficient, patient-centered environment for the Veterans it serves.

“For more than ninety years, our dedicated team has served the health care needs of Veterans in this community,” said Mary (Shannon) Newell, Acting Executive Director of the Cheyenne VA. “With a larger department that is also completely renovated with state-of-the-art equipment, we will be able to serve more Veterans, more efficiently, in a more modern, patient-centric environment. This is just one way the Cheyenne VA Health Care System is fulfilling our promise to provide world-class health care for Wyoming’s Veterans.”

Construction Timeline & Continuity of Care

Groundbreaking begins August 15 and will span approximately 24 months, with the new emergency department expected to open in 2027. Despite ongoing construction, 24/7 emergency services will continue uninterrupted for Veterans throughout the process.

The project will not include a public groundbreaking ceremony, but members of the media are invited to schedule interviews with:

• Brian Kelly – Project Lead Engineer
• Austin John – Director, Facility Management Services
• Mary (Shannon) Newell – Acting Executive Director

Impact on Veterans & the Community

The Cheyenne VA serves more than 30,000 enrolled Veterans across southeastern Wyoming, northeastern Colorado, and southwestern Nebraska. With a staff of 1,300 employees—one-third of whom are Veterans themselves—the expansion underscores the VA’s commitment to veteran-focused, community-based healthcare.

By 2027, the larger facility will allow for better patient flow, enhanced privacy, and faster emergency response times. The additional square footage will also create room for new treatment bays, upgraded trauma care areas, advanced diagnostic equipment, and improved waiting and triage spaces.

A Legacy of Care

For nearly a century, the Cheyenne VA Medical Center has been a cornerstone of Veteran health care in the region. This expansion not only modernizes infrastructure but also strengthens the VA’s long-standing promise: to deliver compassionate, expert care for every Veteran who walks through its doors

Originally reported by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.