Paralyzed Veterans of America Weighs in on Presidential Candidates' Positions

WASHINGTON, Sept. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is responding to remarks made this week by presidential candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton at the American Legion's annual convention.  The most recent remarks indicate the two candidates are more closely aligned on their positions to reform VA health care to sustain the system of care most veterans prefer, especially Paralyzed Veterans of America members.

Excerpt, Presidential Candidate Donald Trump:
"I will appoint a commission to investigate all the wrongdoing at the VA, and then present those findings to Congress as the basis for reforming the entire system…The Veterans health system will remain a public system, because it is a public trust..."

Excerpt, President Candidate Hillary Clinton:
"We are going to build a 21^st century Department of Veterans Affairs that delivers world-class care and we are not going to let anyone privatize the VA. We're going to reform and strengthen it—not privatize it!  We will ensure access to timely quality are for all of our veterans…"

Statement from Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director, Sherman Gillums, Jr.
"Paralyzed Veterans of America is heartened to see both presidential candidates finding common ground on the future of veterans' healthcare, and gratified to hear their positions align with what is in the best interest of our members. Pushing the most catastrophically injured veterans into a private healthcare system that is not capable or equipped to provide the level of care they need—a level of care they currently receive at the VA—would be abandoning our country's duty to them.

The men and women who put on the uniform, put their lives in harm's way, and return to their country with life-altering medical needs, are entitled to a specialized system of care that offers a holistic approach to wellness, treatment, and rehabilitation for their lifetimes. Paralyzed veterans have made their choice, and they chose VA. Whoever gets elected to become our next Commander-in-Chief will join Congress in ensuring VA is accountable, adequately resourced, and appropriately monitored as more service members become veterans over the next several years."

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

Related Links

http://www.pva.org