Julie Lawson, MA

At some point, most Americans will experience the anxiety associated with an organizational restructure or a corporate budget cut that leads to job loss. Self-assurances may follow by telling ourselves we will be fine, and we could even start a new position that (if we're lucky) will be better than our previous one. It can be devastating, but is not a life-or-death scenario.

Unless you care for veterans with cancer.

The recent workforce reductions across the US Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA) health care system, whether through voluntary retirements or forced layoffs, is a life-threatening crisis. Every position lost has the potential to directly impact whether a veteran receives the necessary care in their battle with cancer.

Veterans deserve every opportunity, treatment plan, and resource available to ensure their comfort and survival. They are entitled to the specialized, comprehensive, and thorough care they receive through the VA—care that cannot be duplicated in community health care. Because many of the health challenges they face are a direct result of serving our country, we owe it to them to provide the best care available from the most highly-trained and competent clinicians. This level of excellence cannot be achieved in a gutted or chaotic system.

Reducing or eliminating VA health care positions is a decision that demands careful examination. Like any organization, the VA experiences some measure of waste or inefficiency that should be eliminated. But that cannot be done swiftly or in large-scale action.

Consider these examples: the reduction of force resulting in the removal of those deemed to hold unnecessary administrative positions—such as continuing education or physician oversight—has a direct impact on a clinician's ability to provide the most current and precise care. Reduced research funding limits the VA's contribution to health care innovation. The loss of contract positions that appear superfluous on paper represent the staff who schedule appointments, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and wrap-around services for veterans. Even reducing auxiliary services like laundry may seem like a cost-saving measure—until the hospital can't admit new patients due to lack of sanitized linens.

VA employees know that veterans need specialized care for their complex and unique challenges. That individualized care has led to the VA nearly eliminating disparity gaps experienced in traditional health care. The removal of support positions and opportunities in professional development demands coordination with less-prepared community-based health care; overpopulated work environments will have a lasting impact. Limiting the workforce will make it impossible to provide coordinated and exceptional care.

The Association of VA Hematology/Oncology (AVAHO) is a leader in professional development opportunities for those who care for veterans with cancer. As a nonprofit organization, AVAHO is also a voice for those working with veterans with cancer to ensure they receive the care they deserve. AVAHO is calling on its colleagues, veterans, and those committed to supporting veterans to voice their opposition to reducing critical staff, research, and resources within the VA.

We ask veterans to share stories describing the difference VA care makes. We ask clinicians—including those within the federal system—to explain how a system that is well-staffed, supported, and with ample resources can impact patient care. Americans must stand for the care our veterans have earned.

Most importantly, we call on policymakers to carefully consider the impact each position has on the outcome of excellent, well-coordinated, and state-of-the-art care. The lives of our veterans depend on it.

AVAHO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and educating health care providers who serve veterans with cancer and hematological disorders. You can find out more and support their advocacy initiatives at www.avaho.org.

At some point, most Americans will experience the anxiety associated with an organizational restructure or a corporate budget cut that leads to job loss. Self-assurances may follow by telling ourselves we will be fine, and we could even start a new position that (if we're lucky) will be better than our previous one. It can be devastating, but is not a life-or-death scenario.

Unless you care for veterans with cancer.

The recent workforce reductions across the US Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA) health care system, whether through voluntary retirements or forced layoffs, is a life-threatening crisis. Every position lost has the potential to directly impact whether a veteran receives the necessary care in their battle with cancer.

Veterans deserve every opportunity, treatment plan, and resource available to ensure their comfort and survival. They are entitled to the specialized, comprehensive, and thorough care they receive through the VA—care that cannot be duplicated in community health care. Because many of the health challenges they face are a direct result of serving our country, we owe it to them to provide the best care available from the most highly-trained and competent clinicians. This level of excellence cannot be achieved in a gutted or chaotic system.

Reducing or eliminating VA health care positions is a decision that demands careful examination. Like any organization, the VA experiences some measure of waste or inefficiency that should be eliminated. But that cannot be done swiftly or in large-scale action.

Consider these examples: the reduction of force resulting in the removal of those deemed to hold unnecessary administrative positions—such as continuing education or physician oversight—has a direct impact on a clinician's ability to provide the most current and precise care. Reduced research funding limits the VA's contribution to health care innovation. The loss of contract positions that appear superfluous on paper represent the staff who schedule appointments, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and wrap-around services for veterans. Even reducing auxiliary services like laundry may seem like a cost-saving measure—until the hospital can't admit new patients due to lack of sanitized linens.

VA employees know that veterans need specialized care for their complex and unique challenges. That individualized care has led to the VA nearly eliminating disparity gaps experienced in traditional health care. The removal of support positions and opportunities in professional development demands coordination with less-prepared community-based health care; overpopulated work environments will have a lasting impact. Limiting the workforce will make it impossible to provide coordinated and exceptional care.

The Association of VA Hematology/Oncology (AVAHO) is a leader in professional development opportunities for those who care for veterans with cancer. As a nonprofit organization, AVAHO is also a voice for those working with veterans with cancer to ensure they receive the care they deserve. AVAHO is calling on its colleagues, veterans, and those committed to supporting veterans to voice their opposition to reducing critical staff, research, and resources within the VA.

We ask veterans to share stories describing the difference VA care makes. We ask clinicians—including those within the federal system—to explain how a system that is well-staffed, supported, and with ample resources can impact patient care. Americans must stand for the care our veterans have earned.

Most importantly, we call on policymakers to carefully consider the impact each position has on the outcome of excellent, well-coordinated, and state-of-the-art care. The lives of our veterans depend on it.

AVAHO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and educating health care providers who serve veterans with cancer and hematological disorders. You can find out more and support their advocacy initiatives at www.avaho.org.

At some point, most Americans will experience the anxiety associated with an organizational restructure or a corporate budget cut that leads to job loss. Self-assurances may follow by telling ourselves we will be fine, and we could even start a new position that (if we're lucky) will be better than our previous one. It can be devastating, but is not a life-or-death scenario.

Unless you care for veterans with cancer.

The recent workforce reductions across the US Department of Veterans of Affairs (VA) health care system, whether through voluntary retirements or forced layoffs, is a life-threatening crisis. Every position lost has the potential to directly impact whether a veteran receives the necessary care in their battle with cancer.

Veterans deserve every opportunity, treatment plan, and resource available to ensure their comfort and survival. They are entitled to the specialized, comprehensive, and thorough care they receive through the VA—care that cannot be duplicated in community health care. Because many of the health challenges they face are a direct result of serving our country, we owe it to them to provide the best care available from the most highly-trained and competent clinicians. This level of excellence cannot be achieved in a gutted or chaotic system.

Reducing or eliminating VA health care positions is a decision that demands careful examination. Like any organization, the VA experiences some measure of waste or inefficiency that should be eliminated. But that cannot be done swiftly or in large-scale action.

Consider these examples: the reduction of force resulting in the removal of those deemed to hold unnecessary administrative positions—such as continuing education or physician oversight—has a direct impact on a clinician's ability to provide the most current and precise care. Reduced research funding limits the VA's contribution to health care innovation. The loss of contract positions that appear superfluous on paper represent the staff who schedule appointments, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and wrap-around services for veterans. Even reducing auxiliary services like laundry may seem like a cost-saving measure—until the hospital can't admit new patients due to lack of sanitized linens.

VA employees know that veterans need specialized care for their complex and unique challenges. That individualized care has led to the VA nearly eliminating disparity gaps experienced in traditional health care. The removal of support positions and opportunities in professional development demands coordination with less-prepared community-based health care; overpopulated work environments will have a lasting impact. Limiting the workforce will make it impossible to provide coordinated and exceptional care.

The Association of VA Hematology/Oncology (AVAHO) is a leader in professional development opportunities for those who care for veterans with cancer. As a nonprofit organization, AVAHO is also a voice for those working with veterans with cancer to ensure they receive the care they deserve. AVAHO is calling on its colleagues, veterans, and those committed to supporting veterans to voice their opposition to reducing critical staff, research, and resources within the VA.

We ask veterans to share stories describing the difference VA care makes. We ask clinicians—including those within the federal system—to explain how a system that is well-staffed, supported, and with ample resources can impact patient care. Americans must stand for the care our veterans have earned.

Most importantly, we call on policymakers to carefully consider the impact each position has on the outcome of excellent, well-coordinated, and state-of-the-art care. The lives of our veterans depend on it.

AVAHO is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and educating health care providers who serve veterans with cancer and hematological disorders. You can find out more and support their advocacy initiatives at www.avaho.org.