Anthony Rodriguez seeks $7.2 million to help fund veterans’ clinic at Nova Southeastern University

Anthony Rodriguez

Republican Rep. Anthony Rodriguez is requesting $7.2 million to help fund a veterans access clinic at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in Broward County.

The clinic opened in Jan. 2020. The request from Rodriguez (HB 2009) states the money “will be allocated to the network of clinics operated by Nova Southeastern University, including the Veterans Access Clinic opened in January 2020, for the provision of primary care and therapeutic care.”

The state has already put some money toward the clinic, allotting $3.5 million in last year’s budget covering fiscal year 2020-21. Brian Ballard of Ballard Partners is listed on this year’s request as the registered lobbyist seeking funding on the project.

“NSU established the Veterans Access Clinic in January 2020 with funding from the state and has received letters of support from clients who have been serviced and various community veterans organizations,” Rodriguez wrote in the appropriations project request form.

Funds directed to the veterans’ clinic will help provide “health care and therapeutic services to veterans and their families.” That includes primary care, dental care, vision care, speech and physical therapy and mental health services.

“Veterans and their families who are unable to access services through the VA due to inaccessibility, long wait periods, or no coverage for services will be provided service at no charge through NSU’s network of health care clinics,” Rodriguez added.

The cash would also help with outreach to veterans, their families and pro-vet organizations.

Leonard Pounds of NSU’s clinical operations team thanked lawmakers for putting funds toward the project prior to its early 2020 opening.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to provide care for veterans and their families by identifying their needs through an interdisciplinary team,” Pounds said.

“NSU staff will coordinate their appointments and referrals to ensure the patient’s healthcare needs are addressed. This unique approach provides veterans and their immediate family a coordinated way to address their physical and mental well-being by eliminating the need of having to call multiple offices to schedule appointments.”

Rodriguez first joined the Legislature in 2018, winning the House District 118 seat by ousting Democratic Rep. Robert Asencio. Rodriguez easily won reelection to the seat this past November, earning 60% of the vote against Democrat Ricky Junquera.