U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) wants to know why a federal community-based outpatient clinic that serves 3,500 United States military veterans in her home state is scheduled to be closed.
“A medical facility closure, particularly one that is geographically convenient for Lewis County veterans, can be a disruptive event for individuals who rely on frequent medical care,” Herrera Beutler wrote in an Aug. 10 letter sent to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough; Steven Lieberman, Deputy to the Deputy Under Secretary for Health; and Michael Tadych, director of VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
“Given the consequential nature of this development, I ask that the VA provide the affected community with complete transparency into why this decision was made and a detailed plan for how the VA will ensure continuity of care for our veterans,” the congresswoman wrote.
Rep. Herrera Beutler highlighted the significant impact the closure would bring to the veterans served by the Chehalis, Wash.-based South Sound VA Clinic, such as concerns about losing access to care, having to switch current providers, and forcing longer commutes to an alternative facility.
For instance, the lawmaker wrote that a large portion of the veterans who rely on the clinic will be transitioned to the new Olympia Clinic opening on Aug. 16. “For some of these individuals, that will lengthen the time it takes them to obtain care by 40-60 minutes, round trip,” she wrote. “This will not only add increased commute times, but it will also add increased costs for veterans due to the rising price of gasoline.”
Rep. Herrera Beutler requested that the VA provide her with answers to several questions, as well as information on the assistance available to veterans outside of the Olympia area. She specifically asked about whether the VA explored options to hire an alternative contractor for the current facility; what plans exist to provide information on the changes to the impacted veterans; how the VA will work with veterans to ensure they maintain the same level of care; and what transportation options are available to ensure their continuity of care.
“Our veterans have served our country honorably, and it is our duty to provide them with the best care possible,” she wrote.