Washington, D.C. (June 17, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today released the following statement after receiving assurances from Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough that 24-hour urgent care will be restored at the Mann-Grandstaff VAMC in Spokane:

“Today, the VA reassured me that 24-hour urgent care will be restored at Mann-Grandstaff by the end of this year. This has been one of my top priorities ever since services were reduced, and I am encouraged by the progress we are making,” said Rodgers. “This facility will play a critical role in helping achieve our mission of rolling out the red carpet for Eastern Washington veterans, and I will continue working to make sure it gets done.”

Last month, Cathy sent a letter to Secretary McDonough requesting the timely restoration of 24/7 urgent care at Mann-Grandstaff VAMC. Today, she received a letter in response, reaffirming the VA’s commitment to restoring the facility. 

“The Mann-Grandstaff executive leadership anticipates having the necessary frontline and ancillary support staff to extend Urgent Care Center (UCC) hours to 24/7 by the end of this calendar year and is being proactive to ensure this occurs,” Secretary McDonough wrote in the letter.

He continued, “As of April 2021, authorized full-time employee equivalent positions (FTEE) and hiring have substantially increased. MGVAMC’s efforts to recruit and hire a full contingent of FTEE to offer UCC services 24/7 by the end of the year are on target. MGVAMC leadership remains committed to opening the 24/7 UCC by the end of the year.”

CLICK HERE to read the full letter.

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