The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is making a significant change to its health care workforce. They aim to better serve the growing number of veterans, shifting resources to areas where more veterans are living and reducing staff in places with fewer veterans.
VA Secretary Doug Collins shared that this reorganization is about moving people to where they are most needed, without cutting jobs abruptly. “This isn’t about reducing our workforce; it’s about improving care for veterans and directing resources where they’re needed most,” he explained.
This change has been long overdue, as highlighted by recommendations from various watchdogs. In the past, efforts to reorganize the VA, like the 2018 MISSION Act, faced obstacles, particularly under the Biden administration when a bipartisan group of senators blocked a critical review commission.
Greg Goins, acting chief of Operations for the Veterans Health Administration, emphasized that veterans are moving to states like Tennessee and Arizona. However, the VA hasn’t yet aligned its resources to meet this demand effectively. He shared that the department must be careful in reallocating resources without causing shortages elsewhere. “We don’t want to create problems by pulling resources from one area to fix another,” Goins said.
Recently, the VA ended a hiring freeze that had resulted in tens of thousands of staff cuts. Yet, reports show that many facilities are still bound by staffing caps, which can limit their ability to operate efficiently. Mark Engelbaum, the VA’s assistant secretary for human resources, stated they’re working to clear out old, unfilled positions to streamline operations.
One challenge highlighted by Senator Ruben Gallego is recruiting staff to rural areas where veterans are moving. “Getting people to move to these remote locations can be tough,” he noted, stressing the importance of proactively addressing staffing before a crisis arises.
Experts agree that doing nothing poses the greatest risk. Collins stated that neglecting to adapt could hinder their ability to serve veterans effectively. To improve care, the VA must rethink its approach, ensuring every veteran receives the support they need.
In conclusion, the VA’s reorganization represents a critical step toward enhancing health care for veterans. As this plan unfolds, it will be vital to monitor its progress and ensure that resources align with the needs of veterans, especially in regions where the population is surging.
For more details on the VA’s initiatives and strategies, visit VA official site.
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department of veterans affairs,doug collins,greg goins,mark engelbaum,veterans health administration
