Vietnam veteran Jim Pace has seen the inside of hospitals all too often.

For the Birch Bay resident, the trip to Seattle for his regular diabetic testing is nearly a two-hour drive. Since he can’t eat before his blood is taken, he said his blood sugar plummets and he often finds himself in the waiting room shaking.

Pace said he isn’t the only one feeling these effects. As a senior service officer for the Bellingham Vet Center, Pace has heard and participated in the outcry for a more attainable clinic. Last Wednesday, veterans, U.S. representatives and caring individuals around the five-county area found what they were looking for.

A formal announcement was made last week unveiling the permanent location of a Northwest Washington Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in the Mount Vernon Medical Building.

Visitors packed the skeletal beginnings on the second-floor of the building located across the street from the Skagit Valley Hospital.

Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rick Larsen, strong contributors to the clinic’s five-year planning process, thanked all those involved.

“It’s a great honor today to stand here and see this is actually going to happen,” Murray said. “I am excited. I have a smile on my face.”

Larsen described the announcement as a “crowning achievement.” He said there are about 75,000 veterans in the state and the clinic should eventually aid anywhere from 100 to 150 veterans each week.

Stan Johnson, VA Puget Sound Health Care System director said he expects the clinic to be completed by late spring of next year. Upon completion, the clinic will begin treating veterans who are registered with the VA health care system, a national organization offering medical benefits to eligible veterans. Representatives will also be on hand to help other veterans register.

Enrolled patients receiving treatment from the interim clinic established in Sedro-Woolley will be transferred to the new clinic. The temporary clinic will remain in use for those not enrolled.

In addition to primary and mental health care, patients at the new clinic will have access to pharmacy, X-ray, dental, eye, ear and social services.

Larsen touched on another aspect of clinic care — being attune to the needs of female veterans. The new facility has separate waiting rooms should veterans feel overwhelmed by sitting in a large group of people, however, there are no gender-specific amenities.

Larsen also announced another recognizable achievement — the passing of the expanded GI Bill on June 30. The new bill will increase education and training benefits for veterans, as well as the allotted time they can take advantage of such benefits from 10 to 15 years.

Mount Vernon Mayor Bud Norris gave his thanks along with Greg Davidson, chief executive officer of Skagit Valley Hospital.

“We’re always looking for ways to show our appreciation,” Davidson said. “We will do great things here together.”