By JIm Williams
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kunm/local-kunm-939581.mp3
Albuquerque, NM – The agency is proposing to close nine of these so-called "access point" clinics on March 31st in an effort to consolidate services.
The plan is to move patients from clinics in places like Embudo, Penasco, Truchas, and Wagon Mound, to larger centers in Las Vegas, Espanola, and Raton.
The VA also says it will build a new clinic in Taos to handle some patients. New Mexico U-S Senator Tom Udall says the Raton center is already overcrowded.
He says he and Senator Jeff Bingaman have been asking VA Secretary Eric Shinseki to find another alternative to the overall plan.
The VA is holding a series of public meetings on the proposal, and Udall says he hopes veterans will attend to get details.
The meetings continue tonight at Chama City Hall and tomorrow at Springer High School.
Next week, meetings will be held on Monday, December 13. at Penasco High School and Wednesday at Kit Carson Electric in Taos.