Arizona legislators ask VA to respond on shutdown by Aug. 3
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, announced this week that pressed The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reported on the recent closure of the Sierra Vista Veterinary Center Community Access Point.
and letter He stressed to Dr. Sheriff Elnahal, Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs Health, the importance of easy access to veterans care and the challenges posed by the closure of the Sierra Vista facility. He also questioned the VA about its decision to close stores and requested a schedule for new store openings.
“With the closure of the Sierra Vista facility, the nearest veterinary center is more than 110km away, placing an immense burden on veterans who rely on the VA for these services, so this news comes as a result. It is very concerning to me,” the letter said.. “Our veterans disproportionately struggle with mental health and are less likely than their peers to seek help. We need to focus on doing everything we can to provide
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) approved a veterinary center field office to replace the Sierra Vista Access Point, but lawmakers questioned how long veterans in Cochise County and the surrounding area will have to wait for the location to be completed. expressed concern. and running. More than 18,000 veterans live in Cochise County.
Congressman Ciscomani I was demanded to Please answer the following questions by August 3, 2023.
- How many veterans did the Sierra Vista Veterinary Center Community Access Point assist each week?
- How many counseling appointments did the Sierra Vista Veterinary Center Community Access Point offer per week?
- Why did the Sierra Vista Community Access Point stop providing service without providing adequate notice and information to the surrounding community as to the reason for the closure?
- When will the veterinary center outstation open? And what additional benefits will veterans receive with the change in veterinary center designation?
- How long does it take from the time a lease is secured for a new center to the completion of a veterinary center outstation?
- What outreach activities are planned to inform veterans in the surrounding area of the existence of future veterinary center outpatient facilities?
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