Amongst the destruction left by Hurricane Katrina across the state of Louisiana, were the remains of a once high-traffic veteran's clinic in St. John the Baptist Parish. The 240,000 area veterans the VA health system serves in that area were temporarily being treated in a Wal-Mart parking lot, a VFW hall, and a wing of a veteran's retirement home. These temporary sites were inadequate replacements for a much needed medical facility.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System knew they needed a solution-and they needed it fast. They turned to MedBuild, the specialized healthcare division of ModSpace, who worked closely with them to design a permanent, multi-functional, modular facility to address the needs of the area's dense veteran community. Parish officials jumped on board with the plans and donated five acres to house the new facility, and MedBuild went to work.

Within months from the first day of construction, St. John's Parish had a brand new clinic ready for use. ModSpace drove hundreds of piles 50 feet deep and raised the site above the flood plain, paved a 78,200 square foot concrete parking lot and installed the 9,195 square foot clinic. The building is comprised of 19 permanently assembled modular units, and features nine exam rooms, three counseling offices, a waiting room, administrative offices, and training space. The building also includes special design features for severe weather conditions. With proper planning, MedBuild and the VA were able to design the building and the site for support of the community in anticipation of the next severe weather event.

The grand opening in July 2008 was a big event for the entire community. Special guest speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included
St. John's Parish President,
Bill Hubbard; Louisiana State Representative, Nickie Monica; and Director of the Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, Julie Catellier. Visitors in the building kept cool with the brand new HVAC system installed - despite the very hot Louisiana summer day.

Today, the clinic employs a staff of 27 and offers primary care, mental and ancillary medical services to the roughly 200 veterans that visit each week for medical care.

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Slideshow #1: VA St. John Construction Process
	Photos of site preparation and building of this project > View slideshow
Slideshow #2: VA St. John Project Completion
	Photos of finishing touches for this project > View slideshow

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