Washington, D.C. (September 21, 2021) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05)  today released the following statement after the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center announced a delay in restoring 24-urgent care by the end of 2021 due to the rise of the Delta variant.

“While I appreciate Dr. Fischer and the team at Mann-Grandstaff’s commitment to restoring 24-hour urgent care for veterans in Eastern Washington, I am disappointed by the decision to delay this essential resource,” said Rodgers. “With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise across the state, now is precisely the time we should be working together to expand access to health care services, not limit it. While this delay is unfortunate, it does not change the mission before us. Restoring these critical services for veterans in our communities remains a top priority for me and my staff, and I look forward to continuing our work with VA leadership to get it done as soon as possible.”

NOTE: Restoring 24-hour urgent care at the Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center has been a priority for Cathy since services were reduced in 2014. In 2017, she made acquiring funding and approval for a 24/7 urgent care unit an action item for the Spokane VA. Earlier this year, Cathy welcomed Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough to Mann-Grandstaff, during which she received a commitment that 24-hour urgent care services would be restored by the end of the calendar year. After following up with VA Secretary McDonough, Cathy was reassured that this was a priority of the VA leadership.