The state of veteran health care in America is in constant flux, and under constant scrutiny from lawmakers and patients alike. Now, leaders of the network say they’re taking a hard look at local clinics and boosting mental care.
South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who sits on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, was joined by VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher at the Rapid City clinic to discuss new developments.
One key announcement - a firm commitment from federal VA representatives to keep the Hot Springs VA clinic open for the foreseeable future.
Bradsher said staying in direct contact with locals is key to keeping care efficient and effective.
“Continuing to make sure we have that open dialogue," Bradsher said. "There’s been some good opportunities, we’ve heard about some monthly meetings that are happening and making sure our local leadership are able to participate so they’re able to share that information and also continue to get that feedback loop. We don’t want just to have the Senator and I together be the only time we’re hearing back from our veterans.”
She added looking forward, prioritizing mental health care for veterans will save lives. Namely, options offered in the COMPACT Act introduced by California Democratic Representative Mark Takano.
“There’s just a nationwide shortage when it comes to mental health providers, so I think that’s always going to be top-of-mind," Bradsher said. "Even the veterans I served with in dealing with mental health crisis, so making sure we have the mental health pipeline I think is something that’s going to take not just the VA, not just community care, but really a wholistic approach to make sure we have the providers we need.”
For Rounds, he said veterans should communicate new benefits signed into law to their peers.
“Those veterans that are out there, we gotta get the word out – if you’re not feeling well, if you have suicidal tendencies, if you have suicidal thoughts, you can go to any single emergency room and the VA is responsible for picking up that care," Rounds said. "Part of that is making sure veterans are talking to each other to get that word out that is available to them.”
If you or a loved one are considering suicide, call or text the free statewide suicide prevention lifeline at 988.