Coast Veterans Speak Out About Concerns in the VA

Veterans across the Coast gathered Tuesday for an open forum to discuss concerns they have with the VA. Earlier this year, VA Director, Eric Shinseki, stepped down amid controversy that the VA was covering up long wait times that led to veteran deaths.

While the VA is continuing to make efforts to improve their healthcare system, many aren’t happy yet. Tuesday night, several veterans and their family members cited long wait times, calls not returned, and inadequate care as some of their major concerns. While the Biloxi VA wants to address as many concerns as possible, they are facing challenges of their own.

Mary K. Gominger, Public Relations for the VA, says, “I think right now, the biggest challenge is getting our veterans in for appointments. Across the nation, keeping doctors on staff and having enough personnel to attend to all the veterans’ needs, and that’s our number one goal, to get our patients in.”

The VA hopes to continue an open dialogue with veterans about their continued healthcare concerns.