WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) today praised the Veterans Administration’s (VA) Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission for its recommendation to keep inpatient rehabilitation services at the Montrose Veterans Healthcare Center and pledged to fight to keep inpatient psychiatric and nursing home care at the facility. 

“This decision is a partial victory at best,” said Lowey.  “Make no mistake:  this was a long and hard-fought battle.  I joined local veterans in insisting that the commission come here to the Hudson Valley to hear their concerns.  It is hard to believe that after hearing real stories about the terrible impact of this proposal, CARES still wants to cut services at Montrose.”

The commission released its final report today following months of debate over its original proposal, which included virtual closure of the facility.  Originally proposed in August 2003, the CARES Commission plan would have halted all inpatient care at the Montrose center, which has served more than 36,000 veterans. 

“The CARES Commission’s final recommendation for Montrose may save the facility, but I remain concerned that patients receiving psychiatric and nursing care and many employees will be left out in the cold,” said Lowey.   

The CARES plan recommends that inpatient psychiatric services and nursing care be moved from the Montrose center to Castle Point, forcing many veterans and their families to travel an additional 35 miles.  Currently the Montrose facility houses 70 beds for mental health care and 105 for nursing care.  It is unclear how Castle Point could accommodate the influx of patients from Montrose.  Fifty to 75 jobs will be lost altogether under this proposal.

Lowey and other Members of the New York delegation – who successfully demanded a CARES Commission hearing in the Hudson Valley regarding this proposal - have signed a letter to VA Secretary Anthony Principi urging him to maintain current services at Montrose. 

Today’s proposal contained no timetable for implementation of the final plan.  Lowey is the sponsor of HR 2808, which would require Congressional notification regarding any actions proposed by the CARES Commission, and HR 3440, which would place a moratorium on the implementation of any recommendations.

“Today, veterans whose rehab services were saved can breathe a sign of relief,” said Lowey.  “Unfortunately, as many families are worried about what the future holds for loved ones who desperately need other services Montrose provides.   Keeping this facility fully operational is at the heart of the government’s promise to provide Hudson Valley veterans with the care they need and deserve.  I will continue fighting for our local veterans and employees at the Montrose VA Center.”