VA Secretary instruct the VHA hold townhall meetings

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VA Secretary instruct the Veterans Health Administration to hold townhall meetings nationwide

VA Department of Veterans Affairs
News Release
Office of Public Affairs
Media Relations
Washington, DC 20420
(202) 461-7600
www.va.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2014

Secretary McDonald Announces Town Hall Events at Veterans’ Facilities Nationwide

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald has directed all Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare and benefits facilities to hold town-hall events by the end of September to improve communication with, and hear directly from, Veterans nationwide.

“Caring for Veterans is a calling, and our first commitment is to provide Veterans and their families the timely, quality care and benefits they have earned and deserve through their service to our Nation,” said Secretary McDonald. “As we seek continual improvement and to rebuild trust among Veterans, it is critical that we continue to listen and learn directly from those who use our system.”

Secretary McDonald has informed the Under Secretaries of Health and Benefits that each VA medical center and regional office should hold at least one town-hall meeting with Veterans between now and the end of September. Meetings are designed to allow feedback from Veterans, family members and other beneficiaries. Each facility will also welcome input from Congressional stakeholders, Veteran Service Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other community partners. Details of events in each location will be forthcoming from local facilities.