Petition to Improve and Relocate the Lane Evans Galesburg VA Clinic

Located at: 1090 W Carl Sandburg Dr, STE 100, Galesburg, IL 61401

As a patient who relies on the services provided by the Lane Evans Galesburg VA Clinic, I am deeply concerned about the deteriorating and unsafe conditions of this facility, which is connected to the old abandoned Sandburg Mall. The air quality is alarmingly poor, with failing ventilation systems that are unable to circulate clean, safe air. This is not just uncomfortable—it’s a serious health risk for patients, staff, and visitors alike.

Every day, veterans depend on the Galesburg VA for essential healthcare services. Yet they are being treated in a facility plagued by hazardous air, pest and rodent infestations, and crumbling infrastructure. These unacceptable conditions degrade the quality of care and pose real health and safety risks not only to veterans,  but also to the dedicated staff who serve them.

Healthcare professionals and support staff working in this facility are exposed to the same unhealthy environment. Prolonged exposure to poor ventilation, allergens, and biohazards increases the risk of respiratory illness, workplace stress, and occupational burnout. No one—veteran or employee—should be subjected to these conditions in a healthcare setting.

Medical research confirms that poor indoor air quality can significantly worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma and COPD—conditions all too common among the veteran population. The environmental neglect at this clinic only worsens these issues, putting lives at risk and undermining the VA’s mission to provide safe and effective care.

We call on the Department of Veterans Affairs and local officials to take immediate, decisive action—not only to address the current hazards but to begin a full relocation of the Lane Evans Galesburg VA Clinic to a modern, safe, and health-compliant facility.

We are demanding:

Immediate repair or replacement of the failing ventilation system (as a temporary measure)

Thorough and professional pest and rodent control services while facility is empty and no staffing or visitors are present.
A comprehensive inspection and assessment of current health and building safety compliance.
A clear plan and timeline for relocating the clinic to a suitable, permanent, and safe facility.
Open communication with veterans, staff, and the broader community throughout the process.

The Lane Evans Galesburg VA Clinic, located at 1090 W Carl Sandburg Dr, STE 100, Galesburg, IL 61401, plays a vital role in our community’s healthcare. It is unacceptable that both those receiving care and those providing it are being exposed to unsafe, unsanitary, and unhealthy conditions.

Please stand with us. Sign this petition and urge the VA and local leaders to immediately prioritize the safety and well-being of veterans and staff alike by relocating and improving the Galesburg VA Clinic.