CHRISTOPHER LEMKE VIA VA.GOV The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Altoona is pictured. The Center recently enjoyed its 75th anniversary.

ALTOONA — The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center announced its 75th anniversary on Sept. 18, 2025. This milestone reflects the Center’s remarkable growth from serving just 2,400 inpatient Veterans in 1950 to caring for more than 27,000 Veterans across Central Pennsylvania today.

James E. Van Zandt himself envisioned this facility.

During his first term in the United States House of Representatives, he championed legislation establishing a VA Medical Center in central Pennsylvania. He famously told Altoona resident Lloyd Peck that 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard would be the perfect home for a VA hospital to serve Altoona and the region’s Veterans.

Since opening its doors in 1950, the medical center has continuously expanded and modernized to meet the needs of those who served. Most recently, in June 2025, we opened a new Veteran Experience Center — a one-stop shop for questions, services and support. Later this year, a modernized and expanded Pharmacy will open, further enhancing care and operational efficiency.

Timeline of Significant

Historical Events

Sept. 18, 1950

Veterans Affairs Medical Center opened in Altoona, Pa. The first patient admitted was Mr. George H. Alcott. By the end of opening day, nine Veterans had been admitted. The facility opened as a 7-story, 173-bed Medical/Surgical Hospital. Two thousand and seven hundred patients were admitted in the first year. Annual operating budget: $6 million. Construction cost: $6 million.

Nov. 30, 1983

Congress unanimously passed legislation officially naming the facility the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center.

1997

A small team of a doctor, nurse and front-office staff opened the Johnstown Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Since then, clinics have expanded into four more communities: Indiana, Huntingdon, State College and DuBois — bringing care closer to where Veterans live.

Timeline of Recent

and Future Expansion

July 2025

Opened the new Veteran Experience Center, home to Patient Advocates, Veteran Service Officers and Billing Teams. Opened a modern Indiana County Outpatient Clinic to replace the original location, creating room for expanded services.

August 2025

Broke ground on a new Huntingdon County Outpatient Clinic to replace the existing facility. Anticipated opening will be in Fall 2026.

Fall 2025

Relocating and expanding the pharmacy within the main medical center, with enhanced technology and design for better service.

More exciting updates will be shared as they become available.

Today, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center:

— Serves a 14-county, 10,000-square-mile region of Central Pennsylvania.

— Employs approximately 1,250 staff members, including more than 200 Veterans, 60 physicians and 375 nurses.

— Provides care to over 27,000 enrolled Veterans, with nearly 400,000 outpatient visits annually.

“For 75 years, our mission has remained constant: to honor and care for those who served our nation. The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center and its community clinics remain committed to expanding services, improving facilities and building a future worthy of our Veterans’ trust and sacrifice,” a release from the facility said. “The facility extends its deepest gratitude to the Veterans of Central Pennsylvania for allowing it the honor of serving them for over seven decades — and looks forward to continuing that legacy for generations to come.”