A new center that helps veterans who need prosthetics is opening its doors in the Bay area.

  • International Institute for Orthotics located in Tampa
  • Prosthetics manufactured on site
  • Facility opens to the public on Sept. 21

The soon-to-open non-profit International Institute for Orthotics and Prosthetics facility is located on Memorial Highway in Tampa.

It’s what some are calling a one-stop shop for prosthetics. They even manufacture prosthetics at the facility.

IIOP CEO Arlene Gillis said it’s the first of its kind in the area.

“This is the one and only facility that I know of that is comprehensive," Gillis said. "We have engineering, we have physical therapy, we have some orthopedics and chiropractors that all work collaboratively with our prosthetists and orthotists."

Starting Sept. 21, when it opens to the public, the facility will offer a number of services new to this community.

“We’re able to provide educational opportunities, orthotics and prosthetics, physical therapy, massage therapy, veteran's service dogs that we’re planning on launching, and just the opportunity to be able to reintegrate into civilization here,” Gallis said.

The facility will also provide assistance to caregivers and Gillis told us they're working on getting the VA to open an office on property.

It’s just one of the many reasons why William Castillo says he plans to take advantage of the services. He lost his leg in 2007 to an IED when he was deployed in Iraq.

“You see this and your eyes light up. Like, 'Wait, it’s down the hall and the VA is right there for benefits, and engineering, and if I want to go to school for prosthetics I could go here too?'" Castillo said. "Everything is here. So it’s priceless. It really is."

Officials at IIOP expect up to a hundred patients a day once the facility opens, and they plan to hire 300 people.