FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wyss bill would put Veterans Home in veteran hands
Facility currently is supervised by Indiana Department of Health
STATEHOUSE – Thanks to a bill authored by State Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne), the Indiana Veterans Home may soon be operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
Wyss’ Senate Bill 250 received overwhelming support today and now moves on to the Indiana House of Representatives.
According to the Legislative Services Agency, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has had authority over the home for many years. Wyss said the transfer was something many veterans wanted to see and will actually help the ISDH reduce its workload and focus on issues more pertinent to its mission.
“This has been the desire of military organizations for many, many years,” Wyss said. “I was pleased Gov. Mitch Daniels embraced this idea for the betterment of the home. It will show our veterans we are paying attention and want the best for them.”
The Indiana Veterans Home – located in Tippecanoe County near West Lafayette – is a licensed long-term care facility. The facility dates back to 1896, and was first called the Indiana State Soldier’s Home. It was renamed in 1976 to the Indiana Veterans Home.
Wyss said the DVA would be in a good position to supervise the medical care of veterans and better understand individual needs of patients.
“I think this just makes good sense – for the Veterans Home and for the Department of Health,” Wyss said. “I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for their support and appreciation of all our veterans.”
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(Sen. Tom Wyss represents District 15 in the Indiana Senate, which covers portions of Allen County). |
