VA Long Beach Unveils Shocking $10 Million Mental Health Facility—How Many Lives Will It Change?

LONG BEACH, Calif. – On August 28, 2023, officials from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) marked a significant milestone with the opening of two new mental health facilities at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center campus in Long Beach. The event was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that emphasized the VA's renewed commitment to the mental health of America's veterans.

The newly constructed facilities include an impressive 80,000-square-foot outpatient center and an 82,000-square-foot inpatient building designed to accommodate 40 beds. These structures are a part of the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, which currently serves over 50,000 veterans, treating more than 20,000 annually for various mental health conditions.

Walt Dannenberg, the director of the VA Long Beach Medical Center, expressed optimism about the future of mental health services during the ceremony. “This day marks the start of a new era in mental health services at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System,” he stated. “It is an honor for us to renew our commitment to serve veterans.”

Among the attendees was U.S. Marine veteran Christopher Scott Louie, who served from 2008 to 2012, including deployment to Afghanistan. Louie spoke passionately about the new facilities, stating, “This center represents not just a structure, but a commitment to the wellbeing of the veterans and customers with the support and care we all try to provide.” His personal journey highlights the importance of mental health; after arriving at the Long Beach VA in 2012, he began prioritizing his mental health, which ultimately led to his newfound passion for dog training. Louie shared, “The lessons I learned along the way have not only guided my professional path, but have also enriched my relationship with my wife, kids, and family.”

The groundbreaking for these facilities took place on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, coinciding with the medical center’s eighth annual celebration that also commemorated the centenary of the end of World War I. Kevin Thomas, resident engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Los Angeles District, noted that this was the first project where USACE collaborated with the VA’s Construction and Facilities Management.

Chris Rainwater, former chief of USACE Los Angeles District’s Safety and Occupational Health Office, pointed out the project’s safety innovations, emphasizing the effective partnership and collaboration that have set new standards for safety in large-scale projects. “From a safety standpoint, this project became the model for how we manage safety on mega projects, not only in the Los Angeles District but across the entire U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,” he explained.

Philip Serpa Jr., senior project manager with USACE, has been involved with the project since the contract was awarded in 2017. He emphasized the collective effort that went into creating the facilities: “A lot of hands have been on this project – a lot of hard work; a lot of effort. This is a culmination of that – two beautiful buildings. It’s just a testament to the hard work for USACE and its partners with VA.”

Dr. Larry Albers, chief of psychiatry and mental health at the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of consolidating mental health care into these two new buildings. “To the veterans in attendance: ‘Welcome home.’ Thank you for your service. You are appreciated and deserve the highest quality care, and that is our goal,” he said, reinforcing the commitment to high-quality care.

The USACE Los Angeles District is also working on a three-story, 181,000-square-foot Community Living Center at the VA Long Beach campus. This facility is designed to provide additional support for aging veterans, featuring 120 beds spread across 10 patient units. Once completed, the existing Community Living Center on the campus will be demolished, signifying a significant upgrade in veteran care facilities.

As America continues to engage in discussions about veteran care and mental health, the opening of these new facilities stands as a critical reminder of the importance of supporting those who have served. The collaboration between the VA and USACE reflects a broader commitment to improving health services for veterans, ensuring that they receive the comprehensive care they deserve.