News Items - Greater Marion Area Chamber of Commerce
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Marion VA's Center for Behavioral Health
A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the new building at the Marion VA Medical Center that will improve and expand the delivery of mental health services to area Veterans.

A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held at the new building at the Marion VA Medical Center that will improve and expand the delivery of mental health services to area Veterans. 

Construction is now complete on the $8.3 million mental health building, which started in January 2014. Just under 26,000 square feet, the two-story Center for Behavioral Health will be the new home to over 60 mental health staff providing care for Veterans and their families. 

General contractor for the project is Hanke Constructors, a service-disabled Veteran-owned small business operated by Retired Colonel Brett Hanke. “This is another opportunity to make a contribution to the Veterans with whom I served for 31 years. We have applied all of our expertise to deliver an exceptional structure for this, our sixth, VA mental health facility,“ said Col. Hanke. 

The Mental Health Center will provide an array of outpatient mental health services. The building includes several therapy offices and group rooms that maximize the use of natural light and open space while ensuring privacy. Waiting areas, including a separate space for families, will include wireless internet and furniture with integrated charging stations for electronics.

“The new Center for Behavioral Health provides a modernized healing and therapeutic environment for our Veteran patients to receive the best care and treatment that will greatly improve their quality of life,” said psychiatrist Arlene Miksanek, Chief of Behavioral Medicine Service at the Marion VA.

The ribbon cutting ceremony commemorated a much-needed, highly functional facility to house, support and heal the growing population of military personnel coping with mental health issues after serving in the armed services. Following the ribbon cutting, the Marion VA hosted a Veterans Town Hall and Benefits Fair from 10a-2p. Representatives from the Veterans Benefits Administration were available to assist Veterans with questions about claims and benefits, along with several other VA and community programs. 

















Published: 07/23/15