SIKESTON, Mo. -- One of the goals of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is to make its medical services more convenient for veterans to use.

And that's what the VA has done with the opening of a community-based outpatient clinic in Sikeston, said Glenn A. Costie, chief executive officer of the VA Hospital in Poplar Bluff, Mo., during a Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Sikeston facility.

"This clinic represents those efforts," he said.

Services at the Sikeston clinic began Dec. 26, about one year after it was announced. Costie said the clinic not only offers primary care services, but more specialized services such as audiology, mental health and limited radiology.

"Right now we're offering a mobile radiology unit, but it will become permanent if there is a good response," said Costie.

Chuck Hayden, public affairs officer, highlighted the significance of expanding from the primary services. "This is actually the first clinic to offer specialty services, such as audio," said Hayden.

Costie pointed out the Sikeston clinic does more than affect the community by bringing its services closer to some vets. "We're also bringing jobs here," he said.

There are eight staff members at the Sikeston clinic, including one full-time physician and one audiologist, Hayden said. The clinic is generating about $500,000 annually in salaries alone.

Sikeston's clinic, owned and operated by the VA, is designed for veterans in Scott, New Madrid, Mississippi and Stoddard counties. Costie said Sikeston was chosen for its central location, as well as its proximity to interstates 55 and 57.

"We have 650 veterans currently enrolled," Hayden said. "Our goal for our first year is to have enrollment of at least 1,000, preferably more."

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson attended the ribbon cutting.

"In rural areas we have to find innovative ways to boost the availability of health care services to our residents," she said. "The community-based health centers are a great model for care, they allow our talented medical professionals to see more patients, and they contribute to the wider availability of health services in our communities," said Emerson."

Emerson also said she's always been frustrated that veterans from the Sikeston area have needed to drive to Poplar Bluff, Mo., to receive services.

"This is wonderful and I'm really grateful for it," she said.

Those comments were echoed by state Rep. Ellen Brandom.

"Our veterans deserve the very best," she said. "I think it's great that we have this clinic right here in Sikeston."

Hours at the Sikeston Community-Based Outreach Clinic, 905 S. Kingshighway, are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is 573-472-2139, and more information about what the VA offers is available online at www.poplarbluff.va.gov.