Buffalo VA one of three sites to get childcare Published July 21, 2011 By Peter Borys 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- The Veterans Affairs Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. is slated to be one of three initial sites across the nation to receive a childcare center. The center located at 3495 Bailey Avenue in the city will offer free childcare for Veterans who are eligible for care and visiting the facility for an appointment. The other two sites will be Northport, NY and Tacoma, WA. Hours of operation will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children between the ages 6 weeks to 12 years. The centers will be supervised and operated onsite by licensed childcare providers. "We are pleased to offer childcare for Veterans to support their seamless transition as they return from serving. This childcare center will offer support so mothers and fathers can get the health care they need," said William F. Freeley, medical center director. Research by the administration found that nearly one third of Veterans were interested in childcare services and more than 10 percent had to cancel or reschedule VA appointments due to lack of child care. The program will benefit both men and women Veterans and was established by Congress as part for the Care givers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 signed by the President in May 2010. An official start date has not been released, but it is anticipated the program will start this fall.