Today, Congressman Darren Soto welcomed U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano to Orlando’s VA Medical Center facilities in Lake Nona.
“It was wonderful to visit the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona and I am impressed with this state of the art facility and most importantly the medical services, programs, and treatments they offer for our veterans,” stated Chairman Takano. “Not only is the Medical Center fully staffed, it is also doing an impressive job at retaining employees.”
Following a tour of the VAMC campus, Chairman Takano and Rep. Soto received special program briefings from the various departments in the medical Center and met with the center’s administrators and medical professionals.
“We are honored to host U.S. House VA Committee Chairman Mark Takano in our district and here at the Lake Nona Medical Center today,” stated Rep. Soto. “As the top democrat in Congress overseeing Veterans’ Affairs and visiting Orlando as one of his first stops, it is just a tremendous honor and opportunity for the veterans of our region. We are very grateful for Chairman Takano’s hard work to help increase doctor residencies at Lake Nona’s VA from 24 to 80 doctors over the past 3 years, as well as his efforts to address veteran suicide prevention, healthcare waiting lists, and combat homelessness. We also appreciate his commitment to strengthen VA outreach to women, minority and LGBT veterans. I look forward to working together to continue improving the quality of life for Central Florida’s veterans.”
Chairman Takano and Rep. Soto met with VAMC administrators, including Tim Liezert, Orlando VAMC Director; Daniel Herrera, Assistant VAMC Director; Margaret (Peggy) Givens, Associate Director for Patient Care Services; Dr. Miguel LaPuz, VISN-8 Director; and Dr. Steven Lieberman, Executive in Charge, VHA. The Members also visited the Women’s Health Clinic and met with veterans at the on-site Community Living Center.
“We must do more to ensure that throughout the VA Health Administration we work to fill the more than 40,000 vacancies and help deliver timely care for our veterans,” Chairman Takano added. “I am pleased to see the center’s efforts to serve women, minority and LGBTQ veterans and the robust programs that could become examples to other VA medical centers across the country.”
