In considering sites for a veterans outpatient clinic in Butler County, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs made a good decision in deciding to set up that clinic in Cranberry Township.

Not only will the location provide convenience for many Butler County veterans, because of the highway access to Cranberry from many parts of the county, but it also will be a good location for hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans in southern Beaver County and northern Allegheny County.

There should be no doubts about it being a well-utilized facility.

"The VA is estimating that we could see as many as 3,000 (annually) just in Cranberry Township once that clinic opens," said Dave Virag, a spokesman for the Butler Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

By comparison, four clinics already operating in area counties have a total of about 5,000 patients annually. Those clinics are in Lawrence, Mercer, Armstrong and Clarion counties.

Initially, the Cranberry clinic, which is to become operational next year, will provide primary and behavioral health care, with specialized care such as physical therapy a possibility for the future.

It is estimated that the clinic will employ between 10 and 20 medical and administrative staff members under an arrangement with an as-yet-to-be selected agency. That is the kind of arrangement that is in effect for the Clarion and Armstrong clinics; the Lawrence and Mercer clinics are operated by the Butler VAMC staff.

While the actual location of the Cranberry clinic remains to be decided, it could be at the location of whatever contract staff is selected, such as a hospital, creating a dual-benefit facility — providing civilian and veterans health care.

The Cranberry clinic will be one of 31 new clinics that the VA will be establishing in 16 states.

"Community-based medicine is better medicine," said Dr. Michael Kussman, VA Under Secretary for Health. "It makes preventive care easier for patients, helps doctors have closer relationships with their patients and permits easier follow-ups for people with chronic problems."

"These new clinics will bring VA's top-notch care closer to the veterans who have earned it," said Dr. James B. Peake, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The new Cranberry clinic will put in place in this county another asset on behalf of those who have given of themselves and, in many instances, risked their lives and well-being on behalf of their country.

Cranberry Township, a municipality that already boasts a diversity of health services, is now going to get even better.