June 24, 2020

Senator Warren Releases Statement on the Independent Investigation Regarding the COVID-19 Outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke

Boston, MA - Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren releases the following statement on the independent investigation regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.

 

“The investigation into the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers' Home reveals that veterans died and became infected due to shocking failures in basic infection control by the Home and a Department of Veterans' Services that neglected its responsibility to oversee the Home. Everyone responsible for this tragedy must be held accountable. I remain deeply concerned about the health and safety of veteran residents and staff at long-term care facilities across the Commonwealth, and I urge the Home and the Commonwealth to swiftly implement the investigation's recommendations to improve care and avoid such a crisis in the future,” the Senator said. 

 

In April, Senator Warren along with the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation sent a letter to the Director of the Veterans Affairs (VA) New England Health Care System, expressing concern about the disturbing reports of the deaths of veteran residents at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home and the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. In May, Senator Warren joined Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Ranking Member Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Bob Casey (D-Penn.) in writing to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting a review of the oversight by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of quality of care at State Veterans Homes (SVHs). The GAO agreed to conduct the audit requested by Senator Warren and her colleagues. 

 

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