ROLLA, Mo. — The future of veterans’ health care in mid-Missouri took a major step forward this week as the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community-based outpatient clinic in Rolla.

The ceremony, held Thursday on-site at 13063 Old Wire Road, marked the official start of construction for the multispecialty facility, which is expected to welcome its first patients in summer 2027.

Replacing the St. James Clinic

Once completed, the Rolla clinic will replace the current VA facility in St. James, located just 10 miles away. Officials say the move is designed to expand services, reduce travel times for some veterans, and consolidate care in a modern, fully equipped space.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

According to the Veterans Health Administration, the new center will feature:

• 27 medical exam rooms
• 6 eye lanes for optometry and ophthalmology services
• 7 dental treatment rooms
• 2 therapy rooms for physical and occupational rehabilitation
• 5 telehealth rooms for virtual consultations
• 16 behavioral health rooms for mental health and counseling services

The chief of staff at Truman VA said the clinic will house a broad range of specialties, including:

• Physical medicine & rehabilitation
• Urology, podiatry, cardiology, pulmonology, dermatology, oncology, orthopedics
• Optometry and imaging services
• Dental care
• Travel, enrollment, social work, and political services (as noted in the release)

Expanding Access for Veterans

VA officials say the clinic’s design reflects the growing need for integrated, accessible health care for veterans in the Rolla region. The larger footprint will not only increase patient capacity but also allow for more on-site procedures, meaning fewer veterans will need to travel to Columbia or other cities for specialized care.

The inclusion of telehealth rooms is intended to connect patients with providers across the VA network, giving rural veterans greater access to specialists without the burden of long drives.

Community and Economic Impact

Construction of the facility is expected to bring a temporary boost to the local economy through job creation and contracting opportunities. Once operational, the clinic will employ a range of medical professionals, administrative staff, and support workers, further anchoring VA services in the community.

Looking Ahead

While the new facility won’t be ready until 2027, the VA says veterans can continue receiving care at the St. James clinic without interruption. Officials expect a smooth transition once the Rolla center opens, with patient records and care plans transferring seamlessly to the new location.

This project follows a broader nationwide VA modernization effort aimed at replacing outdated facilities with centers that support advanced care delivery, integrated mental health services, and telehealth capabilities.

Originally reported by Sarah Keifer in Komu 8.