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

Atlanta, Ga. - U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is launching an inquiry into the implementation of childcare programs at Atlanta's VA Medical Center.

In early 2021, Congress passed the Johnny 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 Atlanta VA Medical Center.

Sen. Ossoff is seeking answers from the Director of the Atlanta 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 study found that 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 Atlanta VAMC Director Kai Mentzer. "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. Ossoff demanded answers after the Trump Administration gutted support for children with special needs in Department of Defense schools.

In June, Sen. Ossoff pressed VA Secretary Doug Collins to fill open primary care positions within Atlanta's VA to reduce wait times and ensure veterans can access the care and benefits they've earned.

In 2024, Sen. Ossoff's bipartisan Gold Star Children Education Act was signed into law to support the education of children after the loss of a parent who served.

That same year, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with then-VA Secretary Denis McDonough to strengthen the safety and security of veterans seeking care at the Atlanta VAMC, as well as those treating them.

Also in 2024, Sen. Ossoff's bipartisan Military Families Mental Health Services Act became law as part of that year's National Defense Authorization Act to expand access to counseling and mental health services for military families in Georgia and nationwide.

Click here to read Sen. Ossoff's full letter.

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