ST. CLAIRSVILLE — An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony is planned from 1-3 p.m. today for the new Belmont County VA Outpatient Clinic inside the Ohio Valley Mall.

VA officials, veterans, federal and local government officials and community members will gather to dedicate the new location. A formal program is planned and will conclude with a ceremonial ribbon cutting followed by tours and refreshments.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-OH, representing Ohio’s sixth congressional district is scheduled to deliver the keynote address immediately following remarks by Dr. Ali Sonel, chief of staff at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

The new Belmont County VA Outpatient Clinic located in the Ohio Valley Mall offers new services including hearing tests, hearing aid maintenance and repairs, and some dermatological testing. It continues to offer primary and preventive care; mental health care; podiatry and dietary services; and diagnostics including laboratory and X-ray imaging.

The customized space facilitates team-based and holistic health care, and the layout optimizes clinic flow and patient safety. The new location is double the size at 16,000 square feet, offers the latest in medical equipment and technology, and four times the telehealth capacity for virtual care delivery in some specialties including mental health care.

Valor Healthcare operates the clinic through a contract with VA.