Sen. Ossoff Launching Inquiry into Implementation of Childcare Programs at Augusta VA Medical Center

Augusta, Ga.— U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is launching an inquiry into the implementation of childcare programs at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta.
In early 2021, Congress passed theJohnny Isakson and David P. Row Act, which mandated that each VA Medical Center implement a childcare assistance program by January 4, 2026. Now, Sen. Ossoff is seeking updates on the implementation of this program at the Augusta VA Medical Center.
Sen. Ossoff is seeking answers from the Acting Executive Director of the Augusta VA Medical Center on the status of implementing the Veterans Child Care Assistance Program (VCAP), a program aimed at making it easier for Georgia veterans to access health care by reducing the difficulty of finding childcare during medical appointments.
A 2024 studyfoundthat more than 75% of veterans indicated that they needed childcare assistance during health care appointments, with 73% reporting barriers to finding childcare. These challenges can lead to missed medical appointments and worse health care outcomes.
“I write to inquire about the implementation status of the Veterans Child Care Assistance Program (VCAP),”Sen. Ossoff wrote to Augusta VAMC Acting Executive Director Lovetta Ford. “This program will help Georgia veterans access VA medical care without having to find childcare during their appointments. With the deadline for implementation having now passed, I am interested in learning what your facility has done to support this effort.”
Sen. Ossoff continues working to support Georgia’s veterans and military families.
In December, Sen. Ossoffdemanded answersafter the Trump Administration gutted support for children with special needs in Department of Defense schools.
In June, Sen. OssoffpressedVA Secretary Doug Collins about leadership challenges at the Augusta VA impacting veterans’ care.
In 2024, Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisanGold Star Children Education Actwassigned into lawto support the education of children after the loss of a parent who served.
Also in 2024, Sen. Ossoff’s bipartisanMilitary Families Mental Health Services Actbecame lawas part of that year’sNational Defense Authorization Actto expand access to counseling and mental health services for military families in Georgia and nationwide.
In 2023, Sen. Ossoffurgedthe Veterans Health Administration to establish a Women’s Health Center of Excellence at the VA Augusta Health Care System in Augusta, Georgia.
Click hereto read Sen. Ossoff’s full letter.
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