FORT WAYNE, IN — Throughout the nation, veterans are anxiously awaiting for the subsequent strikes by the VA because the division is present process a multi-year analysis to find out the place new amenities should be constructed and outdated amenities want to shut.
Some communities might even see their hospital shut down solely. So what’s on the thoughts of veterans in communities that may very well be impacted? What is the timeline?
A VISIT TO FORT WAYNE
As we strategy Memorial Day it is becoming to recollect the lives misplaced. Vietnam Veteran Patrick Fraizer is remembering his buddy who by no means made it residence.
“There he’s proper there, Stephen C. Himes,” Fraizer mentioned as he pointed to
Himes’ title.
Fraizer volunteers at a Vietnam memorial wall, not in D.C., however in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It could be a duplicate, however it’s simply as highly effective to see because the one in our nation’s capital.
Memorial Day Weekend could also be about remembering the fallen, however it is usually an acceptable time to test in on our nation’s veterans.
In Fort Wayne, a sizzling subject stays the native VA hospital and a current suggestion that it ought to shut.
“There are too many vets on this circle that want this facility,” Fraizer mentioned.
Fraizer is not alone. His friends, who’re additionally veterans, joined him in the present day for an interview.
“The VA is sort of a security valve for us veterans,” Eric Johnson, a Vietnam Vet mentioned.
Bruce Lehman, one other Vietnam vet, continues to get care from the native VA for psychological well being in addition to for being an Agent Orange recipient.
WHY THE DEBATE?
In 2018, former President Donald Trump signed the VA Mission Act, which created the Asset and Infrastructure Overview Fee. It could be a mouthful however it was tasked with reviewing present amenities to find out if closing a few of them could be in one of the best curiosity of veterans.
Virtually 70% of the VA’s well being care amenities have been constructed greater than 50 years in the past. This spring their first report got here out they usually advocate closing 17 amenities in 12 states together with websites in Virginia, Ohio, Michigan, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and California.
A full record contains:
- Fort Level, NY
- Manhattan, NY
- Brooklyn, NY
- Philadelphia PA
- Coatesville, PA
- Hampton, VA
- Salem, VA
- Fort Meade, SD
- Scorching Springs, SD
- Leeds, MA
- Dublin, GA
- Chillicothe, OH
- Battle Creek, MI
- Alexandria, Louisiana
- Muskogee, Okay
- Livermore, CA
- Fort Wayne, IN
NEXT STEPS
We reached out to the VA to raised perceive the plan, they declined an interview however they emphasised all remaining choices will likely be made by President Biden and Congress someday within the coming years.
In keeping with Terrence Hayes, VA press secretary:
“The AIR Fee is a chance to revamp VA well being care to maximise entry and outcomes for present and future generations of Veterans.
You will need to observe that any suggestions to the upcoming AIR Fee are simply that, suggestions. Nothing is altering now for Veterans’ entry to care or VA staff.
Any potential adjustments to VA’s well being care infrastructure could also be a number of years away and are depending on Fee, Presidential, and Congressional choices, in addition to strong stakeholder engagement and planning.
In the long term, AIR suggestions may impression VHA amenities and workers, however it’s too early to know precisely what or the place these impacts could be. VA will stay in all of our well being care markets.
As for Fraizer, he simply hopes the fitting choices are made. Driving to a facility in Indianapolis is simply too far and he’s battling liver most cancers and congestive coronary heart failure.
“For folks to get in a automotive and drive all the way down to Indianapolis that will be a burden. That’s 5 hours only for the drive,” Fraizer mentioned.
