Veteran's suicide prompts South Jersey VA changes

Thanks for sharing the news that a tragic event has moved Congress to action Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM It s sad that Egg Harbor Township Navy veteran Charles R. Ingram III, 51, doused himself with gasoline and sett himself on fire outside the Northfield Veterans Clinic on March 19.
After looking at the article it seemed their were several issues targeted; (1) weekend hours at clinics; (2) oversight of facilities; and (3) behavioral therapy focus
I understand that staffing shortages drive hours of operation. Attracting and keeping qualified personnel is challenging for the VA in many regions.
I understand that the South Jersey facilities were overseen by the Wilmington, Delaware Medical Center. Now they will be overseen by direct supervision of the Veterans Integrated Service Network 4. I have never heard of that network and have no idea if this is a positive development.
My own primary care facility is Martinsburg, WV VAMC where I am treated for cardiology. gastroenterology and ophthalmology but my primary care, dermatology and now orthopedics and rehabilitative therapy is performed at Fort Detrick, Maryland VA clinic.
Suicide prevention is a challenging issue that works best with one on one relationships including supportive friends and family. Therapy can be useful but it is secondary to healthy relationships. Congress has no influence over healthy relationships.
COL Mikel J. Burroughs

This is inexcusable for veterans to be taken care of this way.

Thanks very much! Persaverance pays off. As Sen Menendez said "...long overdue". Now let's ensure there is a follow through with the promises. Call the number that's listed at the end of the article often and ask for a status, update, etc. Additionally, contact Sen Menendez through his website (search "Senator Rob Menendez") scroll down to "help with a federal agency" and you will find contact phone numbers as well as access to email. It doesn't matter if you are from Jersey or not, though he will probably pay more attention to his constituency.
On a related note -- When we see a Bill being presented for consideration to be passed into law that is Veteran related, contact your area's Representatives the same way I described above and let them know how you want them to vote.
I know I'm going a bit off center from the post, but imagine the politacal influence all we Veterans can bring to bear if we do this.