The Department of Veteran Affairs began its first round of hearings this week to take public comment on the proposed restructuring of the Black Hills V-A Health Care System.

Among other things, the V-A wants to close the full service hospital in Hot Springs and open a new one in Rapid City.

The process is undergoing an Environmental Impact Statement, and the first public comment hearing took place at ground zero – Hot Springs.

The scoping meetings are meant to give the public an opportunity to comment on the proposed reconfiguration plan.

Director of the V-A Black Hills Health Care System Steve DiStasio says the scoping process is important so they can hear the thoughts of the public on how it impacts them and the community…

 

Many veterans had harsh words for the current VA management, and they pleaded to keep the Hot Springs V-A where it is.

Vietnam Veteran Rick Steele considers the Hot Springs V-A his home, and he’s received nothing but excellent care.

Others not only want the hospital to remain open in Hot Springs, but restored to what it was prior to 1995, when they say the V-A systematically started dismantling it.

the comments at the meeting were recorded and they will be forwarded on to the V-A.

Similar public comment hearings will continue through the month.