The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized the continued operation of the mobile VA clinic in Bingham, Maine, according to an announcement by Congressman Mike Michaud.

The health center sees patients from Bingham, Caratunk, Embden, Moscow, Pleasant Ridge, Solon, The Forks, West Forks and other plantations in the area. In 2010, the unit saw 1,542 medical patients and 1,207 people used the dental services.

"This mobile unit is an important part of our efforts to improve access to health care for rural veterans," said Michaud, who serves as Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health. "It helps hundreds of Maine veterans get the health care they need closer to home, and I’m pleased with the VA’s decision to keep it running. Our veterans shouldn’t be forced to drive hours to get basic health care."

Image via HealthReach Community Health Centers.