14.A.2.
Letter of Support for IRC Military Officers Association
Discussion
Recommended Action:
Bethany Fortunato, Secretary, Military Officers Association of America
(MOAA), expressed concern regarding the Vero Beach Community-Based
Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). Stating that on October 5, 2023, no physician would
be practicing at the clinic. It was important to note that the CBOC was not run by
the Veterans Affairs (VA) but by a contractor with a contract with the VA. Ms.
Fortunato further stated that suggestions made by physicians to the Director of
Medical Services and the Director of Administration for process improvements
had been disregarded. Veterans were not being served the way they should be.
Commissioner Flescher stated not having a local facility for most of our senior
military members is inappropriate, unfair, and inequitable. The Board needed to
move swiftly due to the time it would take to get something back.
Commissioner Moss thanked Ms. Fortunato for leading the charge; this was
critical and important for the community. She commented that the letter was right
on point and supported it fully.
Chairman Earman expressed thanks to Ms. Fortunato for bringing this matter to
the Board's attention, and after the vote, the letter would be sent to Cory Price,
Director, West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System.
Cynthia Ryan, Executive Director of the Veterans Council, believed that
opportunities like this enable the Veterans Council to reassess expectations and
the level of care and treatment provided to veterans. The Veterans Council was
grateful to MOAA for its initiative and expertise in bringing such issues to light.
Ms. Ryan stated that on September 6, 2023, at the General Council meeting,
Cory Price was invited to speak, and the community was welcome to participate
to raise awareness.
Barbara Ruddy, a resident, expressed that the contribution of veterans to the
United States and the world community could not be measured. It was
unacceptable that such an incident would take place at the VA hospital. Ms.
Ruddy hoped the Board had the ability to quickly and efficiently solve this issue.
A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner
Loar, to approve the Chairman to sign and send the letter to Cory Price,
Director, West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System. The motion carried by the
following vote: