Saturday, January 16, 2010

Mass. restores funding for veterans clinics

Gov. Deval Patrick says two outpatient veterans clinics in Massachusetts that had been closed because of the state's budget crisis will reopen.

The state cut $1.89 million from the clinics at the state soldiers' homes in Chelsea and Holyoke, prompting both to end outpatient services and sparking outrage from veterans and their advocates statewide. The clinics provide free outpatient care, including vision and dental care, physical therapy and a pharmacy.

The administration said veterans could get the same medical care at other facilities.

Patrick said Tuesday that funding for both would be restored "because of improving state revenues and the compelling needs of our veterans."

Veterans advocates say they are still concerned about the long-term viability of the clinics.

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