HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 2010-R0257 - Support For Establishment Of Full-Service, In-Patient Veterans Hospital - 05/27/2010Resolution No. 2010-RO257
May 27, 2010
Item No. 6.7
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the current and former members of the United States armed forces have
made immeasurable sacrifices to protect our nation, states, and cities; and
WHEREAS, the United States government provides continuing medical treatment for
veterans throughout the country by way of regional clinics and hospitals; and
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock, as a regional population hub, has a significant presence
of United States armed service veterans; and
WHEREAS, the veterans hospitals closest to the City of Lubbock are presently located in
Big Spring, Texas or Amarillo, Texas, presenting a challenge for Lubbock -area veterans to
travel to and from the facility for medical care; and
WHEREAS, a veterans hospital located in Lubbock, Texas would ease the burden of
those veterans seeking treatment by reducing the travel time required, and generally the
inconvenience of seeking treatment at a locale 100 miles or more from their residence,
particularly elderly veterans or those without a reliable or affordable means transportation;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lubbock deems it to be in the best
interest of the citizens of the City of Lubbock to petition the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs, members of Congress whose districts comprise the South Plains of Texas,
and Texas' two United States Senators to take all necessary steps to locate a full service, in-
patient veteran's hospital within the City of Lubbock; and
WHEREAS, if it is determined that the location of such a hospital is not feasible at
this time, the City Council of the City of Lubbock alternatively deems it to be in the best
interest of the citizens of the City of Lubbock to petition the aforementioned individuals and
entities to designate an existing hospital facility or facilities in Lubbock, Texas to offer any
and all hospitalization services to veterans at an out-of-pocket cost the same as similar
services could be obtained by veterans at the existing veterans hospitals in Amarillo and/or
Big Spring, Texas; and
WHEREAS, if it is determined that the aforementioned designation of an existing
hospital facility or facilities in Lubbock, Texas is not feasible at this time, the City Council of
the City of Lubbock alternatively deems it to be in the best interest of the citizens of the City
of Lubbock to petition the aforementioned individuals and entities to take all necessary steps
to ensure that a voucher or other program is in place whereby City of Lubbock veterans can
obtain first-class, state-of-the-art, in-patient healthcare in local facilities. NOW
THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK:
THAT the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas does hereby recommend and
support the location of a full service, in-patient veterans hospital in Lubbock, Texas, to be
established and opened as soon as practicable; and
THAT in the alternative, the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas does hereby
recommend and support the designation an existing hospital facility or facilities in Lubbock,
Texas to offer any and all hospitalization services to veterans at an out-of-pocket cost the
same as similar services could be obtained by veterans at the existing veterans hospitals in
Amarillo and/or Big Spring, Texas; and
THAT in the alternative, the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas does hereby
recommend and support the institution of a voucher or other program whereby City of
Lubbock veterans may avail themselves of local facilities to receive in-patient healthcare at
the same out-of-pocket cost as a veteran's hospital would charge; and
THAT we, the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas, authorize and direct the City
Manager to send an official copy of this resolution to the aforementioned persons and
entities.
Passed by the City Council this 27th day of May , 2010.
TOM MARTIN, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Rebec Garza, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO