FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Russ Levsen, 202-226-4449

HERSETH:  VA PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE IN DEFENSE AGAINST BIOTERROR

August 26, 2004, Washington, DC – Rep. Stephanie Herseth returned to Washington DC today to take part in a Veterans’ Affairs Committee special hearing on the role of the VA in protecting our country from bioterror.  At present, VA has roles and duties in both the National Response Plan and the National Disaster Medical System, primarily as backup to the Department of Defense in the event of war. 

Herseth said, “As the nation’s largest integrated health care system, the VA is uniquely suited to play a major role in responding to a large scale attack or national disaster.  We must be sure, however, that any increased responsibility does not hinder the VA’s ability to serve its primary mission to our nation’s veterans.  Testimony today focused on the VA’s appropriate role in responding to attacks, and whether the organization has the necessary resources to do so.”

Herseth noted that the Department of Veterans Emergency Preparedness Act of 2002 authorized the establishment in the VA’s Veterans Health Administration of four emergency preparedness centers to study the potential medical consequences of a terrorist attack.  However, funding has not been appropriated for the centers, which would build upon the VA’s expertise in both health care delivery and biological, chemical, and radiological exposures.

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates the Nation’s largest integrated health care network, has an annual budget approaching $30 billion, employs over 200,000 health care workers, maintains over 800 hospitals and clinics, and participates in more than 10,000 bio-medical research projects. 

Herseth added, “With such a massive health care infrastructure, national presence, and bio-medical expertise, I believe that the VA could be essential in helping to prevent as well as respond to national medical emergencies or terrorist attacks.”

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