SMITHVILLE, Miss. (WTVA) - As Smithville recovers from the April tornado, the only doctor's office in town plans to undergo some major changes.

With a grant application into the federal government, new equipment and new amenities for the Community Health Center and Veterans Clinic are just a doctor's signature away.

Plans call for the building to more than double in size, which will help the staff.

"If we do get the grant, it will certainly help us to be able to build a larger facility," says Marilyn Sumerford, executive director of Access Family Health Services. "[We'll] be able to replace some of the equipment that we were able to save from the tornado, but since it's been moved several times, it's getting kind of worn."

"Right now, we're limited to this small area due to the tornado," adds Dr. James Monroe, family physician/medical director. "It destroyed our prior building."

Veterans from six counties are able to use the facility, but there are limitations, and with the help of a grant, more treatment options would become available to all patients.

"If we have more room, we'll be able to see more and will be able to get people in and out quicker," adds Monroe. "A lot of these veterans are old, and it's all they can do just to get here."

Even if Access Family Health Services is unable to obtain a grant, they will still proceed forward with the reconstruction of this facility, and once done, it will feature an enlarged parking lot, and it will also have a safe room open for anyone in the community to use in the event another tornado or severe weather strikes.

"Chances are we'll probably never use it, but we never thought we would use it this time," adds Monroe. "Having been through an EF5 tornado, we need absolutely all the help we can get."

The immediate prognosis is to get onsite x-ray equipment, which would be a major factor in helping veterans from the area.

"We would have more space so we can serve other veterans," adds Sumerford. "They may not currently be enrolled but would be interested in coming to our clinic rather than having to travel to Memphis for primary care."

The clinic hopes to find out the status of the grant by April.

Funding would also come from its insurance company along with state and federal emergency managment.