By Rep. Geraldo Alicea

According to many reports, more than 32,000 U.S. service members have been wounded due to combat action in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are seeing record numbers of soldiers returning home with post traumatic stress disorder, disabling injuries, and numerous other health problems. While Massachusetts has always been a leader in caring for our veterans, it is imperative that we continue to meet the growing needs of these returning soldiers and their families by ensuring that they have access to the best possible health care and medical benefits.

Recently, the Legislature’s Joint Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee established a subcommittee to study issues surrounding veteran health care access. The Committee has graciously invited me to join them in examining this important issue over the next several months, during which we will travel throughout the state conducting public hearings in order to find ways to improve the current system of delivering health care to our veterans. This committee will look closely at veterans’ access to health care facilities by comparing geographic residency in relation to the nearest facility in the Commonwealth. The Committee’s goal is to explore current problems with the system and formulate specific recommendations focused on health care access in conjunction with the Department of Veteran Services. Eventually, comprehensive state legislation will be developed to benefit our veterans.

Under the current system, Massachusetts provides five Veteran’s Affairs medical facilities, located in Bedford, Brockton, Jamaica Plain, Northampton, and West Roxbury. I am concerned that the five locations may not be sufficient because they are either inconvenient or inaccessible to many veterans in different areas of the Commonwealth. Therefore, I would like to find a way to expand our current program to meet the geographic needs of each of the men and women who have so selflessly dedicated their lives to serving our country.

Ultimately, I believe our legislative leaders and our communities must do everything in our power to ensure that we are able to provide our veterans with the care and benefits they have earned. I encourage the public to join us in the upcoming months by actively participating in our discussions and public hearings. In order to identify possible solutions to improve access and provide more care in more places, it is imperative the committee receives your feedback and input on the problems the program currently faces.