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health16h ago
Despite promises, Veterans Affairs Department sheds hundreds of front-line health workers in Massachusetts - The Boston Globe
- Massachusetts VA staff departures reached 855 in 2025, creating a net loss despite new hires.
- Veterans report longer waits and more care outside the VA due to staffing gaps.
- Northampton VA Medical Center faced crushing workloads amid departures, impacting Western Massachusetts patients.
- Veterans advocate concerns emphasize long-term consequences from loss of expertise.
- Community care usage rose as veterans faced delays inside the VA network.
- Some veterans waited months for mental health therapy, prompting outside referrals.
- The 2022 MISSION Act strengthened veterans’ right to private care when VA waits are long.
- Staff departures reduced experienced personnel, with many leaving after long tenures.
- Massachusetts leaders disputed the claims that access to care worsened.
- A veteran community rally near Northampton VA highlighted ongoing concerns.
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