Congressman Joe Garcia Convenes Discussion with VA Director and Local Vets to Find Solutions to VA Problems

Press Release

In light of the ongoing concerns about Veterans Affairs issues around the nation, this morning, Congressman Joe Garcia held a closed door meeting with Miami Veterans Affairs Director, Paul Russo, and other VA representatives, as well as seven local veterans to discuss issues, ideas, and ways to move forward and address problems at both the national, and local, levels.

"While we wait for solutions from Washington to take effect, we are working to ensure an open dialogue between the VA and the veterans they serve" said Garcia "Developing recommendations to address both the issues facing VA facilities throughout the nation, as well as problems unique to the Miami VA system, are key. The issues facing the VA are systemic and need a thorough and comprehensive review, but there are actions that can be implemented immediately at the local level to ensure our veterans have better access to care."

The working group, as it was established, took place at Congressman Garcia's Miami district office and lasted over an hour. During the meeting, veterans highlighted the need for better transportation, greater technology, and reduced wait times. Additionally, they wanted to discern what the VA is doing currently to work on these, and other concerns; some of the processes in place that are working well and how to maintain and apply them to the rest of the VA; as well as next steps to fix the ongoing issues.

VA Director, Paul Russo, also weighed in, expressing his hopes for a positive outcome.

"I appreciate the time our veterans took today to share their experience with us," said Russo. "We want to assure all our veterans that we are ready and honored to serve them and provide the services they've earned. We heard things that we haven't heard before and will be working to quickly address the issues our veterans raised."

Together, the VA and the vets hope to develop an ongoing working relationship to identify and solve many of the active concerns, as well as eliminate potential pitfalls in the future. Some potential solutions proposed included implementing greater lines of communication, such as email lists or direct contact methods to improve services; retraining of VA staff for optimal service and care; and greater grassroots efforts, such as surveys and questionnaires, to ensure veterans are being seen within the specifically identified goal times.

"This was a great chance to address issues and concerns with our local veterans, the MVAMC and our Congressman Garcia. I believe the main challenge facing the MVAMC is the growing number of veterans in our area and the need of the MVAMC to expand staff facilities and logistics to meet the ever growing demand for care" said Iraq War veteran, Dennys Massanett.

Over the last several weeks, Congressman Garcia has taken an active role in ensuring our veterans get the care they need and deserve. Since the national issue came to light, Congressman Garcia has held several meetings, both in his district and Washington, with high-ranking officials, as well as with several veterans groups. He has also visited various clinics and VA facilities in his district, speaking with, and listening to, local veterans to address their concerns and reservations.

Last week, Congressman Garcia voted in favor of H.R. 4810, the Veteran Access to Care Act which will allow veterans to seek care in a non-VA facility over the next two years if they live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, have waited longer than the wait-time goals for a medical appointment, or have been notified that an appointment is not available within the wait-time goals.

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