WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B. Peake, Sen. Ben Nelson, Rep. Lee Terry, Mayor Mike Fahey, leaders from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Creighton Medical Center and key Omaha business partners met on Monday to discuss the future of veterans care at the Omaha VA Medical Center.
“VA’s outstanding relationships with the elected officials of Nebraska and the universities here in Omaha have resulted in productive discussions on how best to meet the needs of Nebraska’s veterans now and in the future,” said Secretary Peake.
Among the issues discussed at the meeting were the facility’s infrastructure needs and space requirements. According to Senator Nelson, “The Omaha VA has some of the best medical professionals in the country. It’s important that we provide them with the most advanced technology, tools and facilities so they can keep America’s commitment of quality health care for veterans.”
“I welcome Secretary Peake to Omaha and I look forward to continuing our discussions on how best to support Nebraska and Western Iowa veterans,” said Representative Terry. UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., added, “UNMC is fully committed to assisting the VA in providing world-class health care to veterans in Nebraska and the region. We stand ready to help in any way deemed appropriate.”
“Creighton University’s collaboration with the Omaha VA Medical Center gives our students and faculty the opportunity to work with Americas’ veterans and help them with their health care needs, which is a critical part of fulfilling our Jesuit university’s mission to contribute to the betterment of society,” said the Rev. John P. Schlegel, S. J., Creighton’s president.
The VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System serves more than 172,500 veterans in Nebraska, western Iowa and sections of Kansas and Missouri. The Omaha VA Medical Center offers both inpatient and outpatient primary and specialty care services. The system also operates a nursing home care facility in Grand Island, and community-based outpatient clinics in Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte, Norfolk and Holdrege.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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