Paralyzed Veterans Of America Endorses Clancy For Permanent Under Secretary For Health

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--December 23, 2014--In a statement released today and letter sent to President Barack Obama, Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) expressed their support for Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy as the permanent under secretary for health. Dr. Clancy has been serving as the interim Under Secretary for Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since July of this year.

Homer Townsend, Jr., executive director of Paralyzed Veterans, and Rick Weidman, executive director for Policy and Government Affairs at Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. stated:

“Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America enthusiastically endorse Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy for permanent selection as the next under secretary for health. She has proven herself to be a valuable ally to the veterans of this country. Our organizations bear a substantial stake in the VA health system as the lead voices for the most critically injured paralyzed veterans and Vietnam-era veterans, the largest segment of the veterans population relying on VA for care, many exclusively. Dr. Clancy has not only pledged her intent to improve care and access for those who have the greatest need, she has followed through on that promise so far by confronting the problems that trouble the VA health care system through the lens of a refreshingly honest, engaged perspective.

“Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America share the belief that Dr. Clancy’s vision for the future of VA health care is the best step in the right direction and support her selection.”

As interim under secretary, Dr. Clancy has championed the Blueprint for Excellence, a broad-based strategy to improve Veterans Health Administration health care delivery and create a veteran-centric culture. Prior to assuming the duties of the interim under secretary for health, Dr. Clancy was the assistant deputy under secretary for health, for quality, safety and value, where served as the chief quality management officer for VHA – planning, directing, coordinating, and evaluating VHA’s national quality, safety, and value-producing programs and approaches. Dr. Clancy was recently ranked number 19 in Modern Healthcare Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Healthcare” poll, and has appeared on the publication’s notable list for 11 straight years.

“The field of applicants for the position is a respectable one based on qualifications alone. But the person ultimately selected to the lead the Veterans Health Administration must be a change agent and an advocate for the veterans with the greatest medical needs. We believe Dr. Clancy has proven herself in these regards and deserves the opportunity to carry forward all the good work she's done while serving in interim status,” added Paralyzed Veterans’ executive director Homer Townsend.

About Paralyzed Veterans of America:

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For nearly 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. (www.pva.org)

Contacts
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Lani Poblete, 202-416-7667