Staff report
County commissioners have joined area veterans in their fight to keep the emergency room open at the Hefner VA Medical Center.
And two more meetings are scheduled this week for employees and veterans who oppose planned changes.
Commissioners voted unanimously Monday evening to approve a resolution calling on the VA Medical Center to continue to provide high-quality health care without eliminating emergency and inpatient care.
Commissioner Jim Sides, who offered the resolution, said the inpatient, emergency and surgical facilities are crucial to veterans who have earned first-class medical services through their sacrifices to protect the nation.
VA officials announced last month plans to change the facility to focus on mental health and long-term care.
The employees’ union and veterans oppose the effort.
Opponents of the VA plan are scheduled to meet at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at the VFW Post on Brenner Ave.
A second meeting is set for Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Jake Alexander Boulevard.
Zane Robertson, a veteran from Faith, said high-ranking union officials from Washington and others will be on hand to answer questions and meet with veterans.