A long
overdue debate on quality health care for America's veterans is now underway. 4,000 troops have
now been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, with another 30,000 wounded. Many of these wounded GIs
have suffered grievous injuries, including loss of limbs and traumatic brain injury.
Our country now faces the harsh reality of a very significant number of young soldiers, marines,
airmen and sailors - men and women in their 20s - requiring health care for the remainder of
their lives. The military and veteran health care systems are being pushed to the limit. No one
has firm and definitive answers on how to meet the long term medical needs of these heroes. Veteran
long term care has become an important national policy issue.
In February 2007, a national debate on military and veteran health care began when the Washington
Post began a series of reports on the conditions at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington DC. These
reports in turn launched other reports, and then investigations, around the country.
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President Bush then launched a blue ribbon task force to study these health care issues and recommend how to best strengthen the system. This Commission, chaired by former US Senator Dole and former HHS Secretary Shalala, accomplished much in a short period – and now the issues have become how to put new policies, programs and funding in place to better assist America’s wounded troops.
The State Veterans Homes System is proud to be a part of the long term care assets available to our country’s veterans. State Veterans Homes are pleased to be part of the answer to the new needs of the military and veteran community. There are now 139 State Veterans Homes in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with more facilities being planned. Veterans Homes have a proud history dating back to the Civil War and well-reflect the military legacy and tradition of "taking care of our own."
State Veterans Homes offer a continuum of long term care services, ranging from assisted living to round-the-clock skilled nursing. Respite/adult day care and outpatient service are also available in some locations. All Homes enjoy a strong base of local community support, which results in strong interaction between residents and military/veteran volunteers and enrichment in the quality of resident life.
State Home resident capacity is now in excess of 30,000 veterans. State Veterans Homes have a long-standing partnership with the US Department of Veterans Affairs and now meet 52% of the VA’s long term care needs. The VA provides State Homes with less that 30% of its funding however.
The National Association of State Veterans Homes and the Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation have forged a partnership over the last five years – and have opened a joint office in close proximity to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. The Air Force Sergeants Association is founder and mentor of Veterans Homes’ fund raising efforts.
The purpose of the Foundation is to help meet the challenges of veteran long term care and bridge the gaps that now exist in public funding. The Foundation would appreciate your assistance with our work. Information on making a gift can be found by clicking here. Federal employees and military personnel are encouraged to designate a pledge to agency #11281 in the annual Combined Federal Campaign.
Additional information on the National Association of State Veterans Homes, the Foundation’s partner, may be found at www.NASVH.org.
Our joint office contact information is: 5211 Auth Road – Suitland, Maryland 20746 – Telephone 301-899-8386.
