Fort Bragg health clinic cuts ribbon on new addition

By Tina Ray/ParaglideMay 21, 2010

Fort Bragg health clinic cuts ribbon on new addition
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - The skies were partly cloudy over Robinson Health Clinic, May 12, but the atmosphere inside the facility's new addition was bright.

Now nearly 77,000 square feet, the clinic has modernized space to meet the needs of servicemembers and Family members of the 82nd Airborne Division.

The project, which cost more than $13 million, nearly doubled the size of the lab services and optometry areas and quadrupled the physical therapy space, said Maj. Charlie Matteson, officer in charge, at the 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Robinson Health Clinic can now operate more pharmacy windows and increase the number of nurses for each of the 82nd Abn. Div. brigade teams, said Matteson.

"One of the bonuses of improvements is we will be able to institute the CCT (continuity of care) teams, Matteson said.

Also, staff will not have to shift teams or shut down certain areas for lunch breaks as they did before the improvements, he added.

Sergeant Ryan Combs seemed to appreciate the improvements. Combs is rehabilitating and strengthening a shoulder injury suffered while deployed to Afghanistan in 2007. He worked out at a theraband machine May 12 in the physical therapy room, which was moved to the ground floor for easier access.

"It's much nicer than the last one. It's more open; it's not as crowded," said Combs, who is assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

Army spouse, Lacy Vejar, visited the clinic for a medical check up of her 4-month old son, Jeremy. Vejar said she liked the added space.

"I like it cause it's bigger. I hope it's faster. It was a little congested and the wait was bad," Vejar said.

Providing more efficient service is something that Sgt. 1st Class Miranda Carlson anticipates as the noncommissioned officer in charge.

"All brigades within the 82nd (Abn. Div.) will have more space within the clinic (to be served) more effectively and efficiently," Carlson said.

According to the ribbon-cutting bulletin, Robinson Health Clinic was named for Roscoe Robinson, the first African-American to command the 82nd Airborne Division and reach the rank of four-star general. He took command in 1976.

"It's very appropriate to highlight General Robinson's career," said Col. Rolando Castro Jr., acting commander of Womack Army Medical Center. "As we dedicate this building, I think if General Robinson were here, he'd be very proud of the clinic and what we do for the Soldiers and the Family members of the 82nd Airborne Division."

Robinson Health Clinic is located at Tagaytay and Gruber roads, Building C-1722, and its main number is 907-8282. The building is located behind the car wash on Longstreet Road.