Darrell Issa
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System committed this week to correcting ongoing problems of concern to veterans thanks to an outreach program led by U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA).
Issa reached out to veterans asking them to submit their concerns and issues with the VA San Diego Healthcare System, which is responsible for providing care to more than 235,100 veterans.
“I’ve heard from San Diego veterans who need the VA healthcare system to work better for them, whether it’s finding a parking spot within walking distance of a clinic or not being able to reach anyone on the suicide prevention hotline,” Issa said.
Last week Issa presented the veterans’ concerns to Dr. Robert Smith, director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System.
“These are serious issues that need to be immediately addressed promptly,” Issa said. “I’m glad to announce that Dr. Smith will be dedicating VA resources to make sure the needs of San Diego area veterans are addressed.”
Issa requested that the VA streamline listing and scheduling information for women’s services, tailor services to individual veterans’ needs, immediately fix problems with a suicide prevention hotline, and work with local officials to create ample parking at VA facilities.
Smith agreed to meet with Issa in one month to update the congressman on the status of the improvements.