Douglas County veterans can now have their health care needs met closer to home thanks to a new Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinic now open in Aurora. The VA Aurora Clinic is now open at 13701 E. Mississippi Ave. in Aurora.

This new facility offers mental health, dermatology, urology and a women's clinic. It has a laboratory, does EKGs and provides immunization shots. A pharmacy is currently not available, but planned for the future.

"Veterans tired of traveling to the VA Medical Center in Denver and struggling with traffic and parking problems, might prefer this alternative," said Douglas County Veterans Affairs Manager Henry Bohne. "Since medical records are stored electronically, there is no problem getting files transferred to this new clinic, formerly known as Fitzsimmons."

The VA Aurora Clinic has also added a Nurse Line at 303.398.6363 to get medical and health care questions answered. It has seven full-time primary care providers - three doctors and four nurse practitioners, all of which are supported by other professional staff.

To make an appointment, please call 303.398.6340.

Directions: Take the I-225 exit at Mississippi and go west. At the first traffic light, Potomac Avenue, turn right. There is ample parking under the building or in a lot across the street.

For information on benefits, services and local activities, please contact the Douglas County Office of Veterans Affairs at 303.688.4825 ext. 5359 or visit www.douglas.co.us/humanservices/veterans.