AUGUSTA, Ga. () – VA registered nurses organized a town hall meeting Thursday evening to address the Administration’s stance on federal employees and reductions in veteran healthcare services.
The National Nurses Organizing Committee joined forces with community members and various organizations to talk about demonstrating against the VA’s measures affecting federal workers and veteran healthcare.
Dozens gathered at the Transforming Lives Baptist Church to listen to different people from the organization speak about their experiences.
Irma Westmoreland, RN, Chair of National Nurses United’s VA Division, tells me how these cuts can affect the nurse’s quality of care.
“Repeating ‘we are not cutting services to veterans’ doesn’t make it true if staff hiring doesn’t occur—it’s effectively reducing services to veterans. The VA requires full funding, yet it’s being deprived of both financial resources and manpower,” Westmoreland stated.
Westmoreland explains how the community can help.
“The goal is to unite and urge our Congressional representatives, Senators, and lawmakers to act responsibly by fully funding the VA, ensuring every veteran receives the care they deserve at these facilities,” emphasized Westmoreland.
Zee Cook is a local veteran who served 10 years in the Navy an now is the Lead Organizer for 50501 Augusta.
She says it is important for veterans to attend these events so they know what is going on.
“This engagement seeks to motivate action against these cuts and reassure veterans that diminished efforts are not to blame. VA workers are deeply committed to maintaining high-quality care for our veterans,” remarked Copk.
To learn more about National Nurses United you can find the link here.
