Sinema Statement on Appointment of Glen Grippen as Interim Phoenix VA Director

Interview

Today Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement regarding the one-year appointment of Glen Grippen as Interim Director of the Phoenix VA Health Care System:

"I look forward to meeting Mr. Grippen and continuing our push to ensure all veterans receive the quality care they deserve.

"We expect a high standard of care to be set and the culture at the VA to improve, including hiring more behavioral health specialists and patient advocates to ensure that veterans' mental health needs are being addressed. The VA must also reduce its benefits backlog and improve its responsiveness to inquiries. Veterans should always come first, and the Phoenix VA has a lot of work to do to meet that standard.

"In September, I called on the VA to provide continuity in leadership to fix the Phoenix VA. I am glad to see a longer appointment for the new interim director, but strongly urge Secretary McDonald to fire Sharon Helman and hire a permanent director."

Source