Atlanta VA welcomes Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Tanya Bradsher, Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs, made a visit to the Joseph Maxwell Cleland VA Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, Feb. 29, 2024, to greet Veterans, and shed light on crucial developments within VA. She addressed pressing concerns regarding Veterans' benefits, health care, and security.

During her visit, Bradsher emphasized the importance of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, which expands VA health care benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. 

“Since the implementation of the PACT Act, VA has enrolled over 3 million new Veterans in health care, and has processed over 1 million benefit claims,” she said. “That is phenomenal. Last year, VA did a great amount of hiring and increased our partnerships within the community to accommodate our newly enrolled Veterans.”

She elaborated on the provisions of the act, perhaps the largest benefit expansion in VA history, and the impact it may have on the Atlanta VA. 

“I will work with the Atlanta leadership to make sure needed positions are filled, and identify areas of desired recruitment,” Bradsher said. “We will also look into clinic expansion and more telehealth options.”

Bradsher also noted that Atlanta VA has one of the largest enrollments of women Veterans in VA health care. Women Veterans are the fastest growing demographic group of Veterans in the United States. Currently, they make up nearly 10% of Veterans living today. 

Furthermore, Bradsher underscored the significance of security measures at the medical center. Recognizing the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for Veterans, staff, and visitors, she outlined strategies to reinforce security protocols and optimize response mechanisms to potential threats. 

“We are furthering measures to make sure both our Veterans and employees remain safe at our medical center,” she said. “We’ve increased police presence, and metal detectors will be installed soon.” 

VA has also taken a proactive step to enhance accountability and security by recently implementing body-worn cameras for all VA police, she added.

Bradsher's visit to Atlanta highlighted VA's strategic approach to addressing critical concerns and served as a reminder of its unwavering dedication to serving our nation's Veterans with diligence and compassion.