As the ongoing government shutdown enters a record 39th day, Redstone Arsenal's Fox Army Health Center is now prioritizing active-duty personnel's primary care, while limiting Primary Medical Home services. According to base officials, all non-urgent primary care needs are currently being redirected to the Tricare network, including radiology services.
The center's pharmacy operations will now be open just Monday through Wednesday. Its script center will remain accessible five days a week. Officials have also said that longer wait times are anticipated for non-urgent care, along with increased use of local urgent care centers and emergency rooms to help offset the reduction in services on base.
Specialty services, including optometry, behavioral health, physical therapy and essential force health protection, will remain operational.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), who represents the district that includes Redstone Arsenal, laid the blame for the operational changes on Democrats, arguing on X that the shutdown was "completely avoidable."
"The fallout from this completely avoidable Democrat shutdown continues to get worse for the folks in North Alabama, including thousands of veterans who rely on Redstone Arsenal's Fox Army Health Center for care," Strong wrote.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) called the Fox Army Health Center's cut in services a "direct consequence" of actions from the left.
"On Day 38 of the shutdown, Redstone Arsenal's Fox Army Health Center will be reducing services," Aderholt said on X. "Another direct consequence of Democrats refusing to open the government."
"The health center will prioritize active-duty personnel's primary care, while reducing Primary Care Medical Home services and suspending all on-post radiology services. Non-urgent primary care, along with all radiology services, will be diverted to the Tricare network," Aderholt added.
Senate Democrats have now voted 14 times against reopening the government, with the most recent vote being 54-44. Democratic leadership on Friday indicated the party may continue to hold out, bolstered by the results in this week's elections.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every day.
