Rockland Reporter

Congressmen Mike Lawler and Pat Ryan, alongside veterans from the Hudson Valley, are urging the immediate reopening of the inpatient unit at Castle Point VA. This call to action follows reports that veterans can no longer access acute inpatient care, including medical detoxification and substance abuse services, at the facility.

Castle Point is one of a few VA facilities in the region providing critical addiction services and acute medical care to veterans across the Hudson Valley. Congressman Lawler expressed his disapproval of the closure: "Shutting down acute inpatient care, including services for detoxification and substance abuse care, at the Castle Point VA facility is unacceptable. Our veterans didn't make the incredible sacrifices they did to be short-changed in services here at home."

Congressman Ryan also voiced strong opposition: "This is outrageous, and a fundamental breach of the sacred duty we have to care for our veterans who’ve put their lives on the line for our country."

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino highlighted the importance of this unit: "It isn’t just a facility; it’s a lifeline for our veterans between Albany and the Bronx." She urged an immediate reversal of this decision.

Adam Roche from Dutchess County Veteran Services added: “This is absolutely unacceptable. I know how valuable this unit is because I've witnessed firsthand...”

Alyssa Carrion from MHA Ulster County emphasized her disagreement with both the decision and its secretive nature: “As a Veteran who utilizes Castle Point services... closing this ward is in no way in line with those values.”

Tommy Zurhellen from VetZero warned about risks associated with losing such vital services: “Simply put, losing the acute care unit at our Hudson Valley VA hospital puts lives at risk.”

Mark Cozzupoli from Ulster County Veteran Services noted that closure adds strain on other resources serving local veterans. Peter Maraday from Clear Path for Veterans requested reconsideration by Castle Point leadership due to its essential role in veteran rehabilitation.

Gavin Walters from Vet2Vet pointed out potential hardships caused by any departmental closures within Hudson Valley VA. Kevin Keaveny raised concerns about reduced access affecting healthcare quality if cuts proceed.

Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District covering parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.