Study underway for second North Dakota Veterans Home

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Work is underway in Congress and Bismarck to advance a second North Dakota Veterans Home.

The only one currently is in the southeast in Lisbon.

Sen. John Hoeven is working with the VA and Gov. Kelly Armstrong for an assessment and study for a second veterans’ home in the northwest part of the state.

“We are now working with the VA on an assessment and to look at another veterans’ home in that part of the state… we’ve embarked on the study that’s required, the needs assessment, but would want your help and support,” Hoeven told VA Secretary Doug Collins.

The VA secretary addressed some of the issues facing long-term care for veterans during a senate hearing.

“One of the reasons your nursing homes don’t take VA patients is because we require a double inspection process which is, I’ve already said ‘what do we do that is stupid?’ well congratulations there you found one,” said Collins.

Collins says he agrees that a second veterans’ home is needed due to our aging population.