Letter: Iowa VA offers exceptional care

The Iowa City Veterans Administration Medical Center is the best hospital a veteran with special needs can get care for their mental and physical problems.

It is devastating when a loved one perishes in combat or commits suicide. The family and friends try to cope with their grieving by asking why. If they blame the hospital it is a one-sided story because a patient's history and records are protected by the privacy act - it is the law.

A veteran receiving care may have substance abuse issues, been through rehab several times or not taking their medications as prescribed, which will exacerbate the situation - only they know.

Recently, I had a depression/anxiety episode for several days and finally went the emergency care at the VA. The first thing the nurse and then the doctor asked me was, 'Do you have any feelings of hurting yourself or others?” No.

I now have regular appointments with my psychiatrist to evaluate my medications and feelings. I also have seven or eight blood draws a year due to my leukemia and the nurses and doctors always ask the same question.

Ken Krizan

Coralville