VA Cuts Rockland Vet Hospital Shuttle: Protest in New City

NEW CITY, NY — Rockland veterans and public officials rallied Monday against the decision by the Veterans Administration to eliminate shuttle service between the New City Community Clinic and VA hospitals in Montrose, Castle Point and NYC.

More than 200 veterans use the shuttle service, which is offered 5 days a week. Veterans say that they understand that transportation services maybe cut on certain days, but a wholesale cut of the entire service is very disruptive.

"This attempt to manage veterans health services with a 'cookie cutter' approach has clearly ignored the real needs of veterans in the Hudson Valley," said Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Westchester). "Access to quality healthcare is what our veterans need and deserve."

Carlucci will be sending a formal letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officials requesting the reversal of this decision.

PHOTO: Senator Carlucci is flanked by veterans from throughout Rockland County as they rally against the VA's decision to cut transportation services. The Senator was also joined by Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Rockland County Veterans Affairs Director Jerry Donellan/ contributed