The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs held a Sept. 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the state-of-the-art outpatient clinic in Monroeville.

The new building is known as Monroeville Multi-Specialty VA Outpatient Clinic and is located at 421 Mall Circle Drive. The clinic will serve the exceptionally large group of veterans who live in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh.

Some of those veterans were present at the ceremony. Members of American Legion Gold Star Post 820 gathered under a large white tent that was set up outside of the new building’s entrance to shelter guests from the morning sun.

One of the post members in attendance served as a missile technician on a submarine during the Cold War and was happy to hear that he does’t have to drive to Oakland anymore for health care.

“This is a dream come true. I don’t have to fight that traffic to get downtown anymore and try to find parking and all that stuff.” said Michael Pellegrino.

Bill Huemme and Lourie Haldeman were also present from the state’s only Gold Star Post American Legion post, and both were thrilled to have the new location so close to home.

Mike Clark of WTAE was the guest emcee for the ceremony, and the Gateway High School marching band performed the national anthem alongside the Plum High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps drill team.

“We are a major part of this community, and we like to give back to our veterans,” marching band director Ryan Moser said. “It’s an honor to represent the Gateway School District.”

Guests included U.S. representatives Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, and Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, along with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald. The morning’s keynote speaker was Dr. Steven Lieberman, deputy under secretary for health with the Veterans Health Administration

The groundbreaking ceremony for the clinic was in September 2021, and construction began that October. The $92 million building has 310 rooms, including 59 exam rooms.

The building was paid for using funds awarded by the U.S. General Services Administration through a build-to-suit lease. Summit Smith Development was the contractor for the project.

The facility will provide non-emergency care to veterans enrolled in the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

“We have been seeing patients since July 31,” Prachi Asher, the system’s acting director, said. “But once we reach full capacity in a couple of weeks, we will be able to see approximately 400 patients daily.”

Asher recommends that all veterans look into receiving services, even if they currently have a plan through work or other health care benefits.

“It doesn’t have to be one or the other,” Asher said. She invited all veterans to stop in or call to inquire about services. “We want to hear from you.”

Veterans can call 412-360-6162 to check eligibility or enrollment status.

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