“Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced several actions it has taken to help all Americans during the COVID-19 outbreak…”
“VA traditionally provides Veterans’ healthcare, benefits and memorial affairs. In times of national crisis, such as the current Coronavirus pandemic, VA provides services to the nation based on requests from states, while being clear that Veterans are first. This is known as VA’s Fourth Mission.”
“VA has determined to make 1,500 beds available for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). These beds will be a combination of acute care and intensive care beds for non-Veteran patients available at various VA locations around the country…”
“VA is caring for dozens of non-Veteran patients for COVID-19 across the country, pursuant to requests from FEMA and as part of the emergency response effort…”
“VA continues to accept mission assignments from FEMA to open beds for non-Veteran patients, after a determination is made that care to Veterans will not be disrupted…”
“VA is caring for people in nursing homes who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 due to age or pre-existing medical conditions…”
“VA is reaching people where they live, by getting our resources to where people need them…” Read the full press release here.
Source: VA announces ‘Fourth Mission,’ actions to help America respond to COVID-19 – April 14, 2020. VA.
