VA Advanced Medical Facility in Southern Delaware: A Commitment to Our Veterans

Veterans residing in Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware urgently need accessible, advanced medical care services tailored to their unique health challenges, including cancers, mental health issues, and service-related disabilities. Currently, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) is falling short of its mission to provide these critical services to veterans in Southern Delaware.

Current Challenges

1. Geographic Barriers: The only advanced care VA medical facility in Delaware is located in Wilmington, creating a significant barrier for veterans in the southern part of the state. The long-distance travel required effectively denies these veterans timely access to essential medical services.
2. Community Care Program Shortcomings: The VA’s Community Care program, which is supposed to supplement care for veterans, is also failing. It suffers from a severe shortage of medical and support staff, making it difficult for veterans to access the care they need in a timely manner.

Action Plan

As Delaware’s next United States Senator, I will begin to resolve the critical issue of Southern Delaware’s Veterans access to advance medical services within the first ninety days of taking office. I will leverage my decades of experience as a physician with expertise in healthcare operational efficiencies and health system design and integration. My plan involves a multifaceted approach:

1. Collaboration and Partnership: I will work closely with Delaware’s veterans, the VA, and both federal and state agencies to address the current shortcomings. This collaborative effort is essential to ensure that the needs and concerns of our veterans are optimally addressed.
2. Site Identification and Development: One of my top priorities will be to identify a suitable site in Southern Delaware for the new advanced care medical services center. This will be done in partnership with the Eastern Shore region of Maryland to maximize resources and accessibility.
3. Facility Construction and Staffing: I will advocate for and secure the necessary funding to build a state-of-the-art medical facility. Additionally, I will ensure that it is fully staffed with qualified medical professionals and support personnel to provide comprehensive and timely care.
4. Operation and Oversight: Establishing a robust operational framework will be crucial. This will include implementing best practices for medical care, patient management, and administrative oversight to ensure that the facility operates efficiently and effectively from day one.

Benefits to Veterans

This new facility will provide:

-Advanced Medical Services: Comprehensive care for veteran-specific conditions, including specialized treatment for cancers, mental health services, and management of service-related disabilities.

- Improved Accessibility: Reducing travel times and providing local access to advanced medical care will significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for veterans in Southern Delaware.

- Enhanced Community Support: A local facility will also serve as a hub for community support services, helping veterans integrate more seamlessly into civilian life.

Conclusion

The establishment of an advanced medical facility in Southern Delaware is not just a healthcare improvement; it is a moral imperative. Our veterans have sacrificed for our nation, and it is our duty to ensure they receive the highest standard of care. By addressing the current gaps in service and providing a dedicated, state-of-the-art medical center, we can honor their service to our country with the quality healthcare they deserve and have earned. This initiative will not only benefit Delaware's veterans but will also set a precedent for how we care for our heroes across the nation.