State cuts medical services for veterans.

The people, who put their lives on the line for the safety of our country, are losing medical services because of Louisiana state budget cuts. But a battle is brewing to keep the care our veterans say they so desperately need.



Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people outraged over putting a price on our veterans' lives.

“How can you put money over lives?" Nikki Hayward says state budget cuts could put her best friend's life at risk. Ruth stone is one of 147 residents at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home.
She served 21 years active duty army. After suffering a double stroke, she has no voice.
“That could be me in there, and then I’d be looking to someone else to talk for me."

Louisiana faces nearly a billion dollar budget shortfall.
A state streamlining committee looked at the efficiency of all agencies and made recommendations on cuts. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs eliminated in house pharmacies and nurse practitioners in the state's 5 veteran homes to save $1.5 million. “The family members are concerned of all the changes, the pharmacy is a big issue,” Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home administrator Byron Hines says.

The pharmacy closed last week. The shelves are already empty. If veterans need emergency medication, they'll have to order from a local pharmacy at a high price. “For Ruth it's not too bad, but for others it could be devastating. They might not have the money."

The home will lay off its only nurse practitioner Friday. Thirty-three nurses will remain, but
the practitioner has more training and can diagnose problems before it’s too late. “If it's eroded with budget cuts, who is going to look out for her? I can't."

Caddo parish commissioner Ken Epperson wants to send a resolution to the governor and legislators opposing the cuts. The budget isn't final. Lawmakers could restore funding. “Veterans should be the last ones to cut. We can find some other means instead of cutting services for our veterans."

Hayward says these veterans have already given up a lot and shouldn't have to sacrifice more.
“Lord knows there's enough people in here who have lost limbs."

The Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home opened in April of 2007. The nursing home has 156 beds. Veterans pay about $16,644 a month to stay.

Hayward writes:
"Wow what a great job you did on the editing, and the filming, and everything!!! Thank you, thank you for Ruth, thank you for all the patients, all the staff, all the patients' families, and for all those vets who may end up in this facility in the future!!! Fantastic job by Karen and Shane, AND Michelle!!