An Email Release By the Senate
Chairman of the Veterans Committee
Daniel Akaka.

_________________________________



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kawika Riley (Veterans’ Affairs)

April 22,
2008 (202) 224-9126



AKAKA CALLS FOR RESIGNATION OF VA MENTAL HEALTH OFFICER KATZ OVER ALLEGED COVERUP OF VETERANS’ SUICIDES



WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called for the resignation of Dr. Ira Katz, Mental Health Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, following reports that Dr. Katz was involved in efforts to cover up the number of veterans attempting suicide. Akaka sent his request by letter to Dr. Michael Kussman, VA’s Under Secretary for Health.

“Dr. Katz’s personal conduct and professional judgment have been called into question. I believe veterans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, would be best served by his immediate resignation,” said Akaka.

Dr. Katz is VA’s Deputy Chief Patient Care Services Officer for Mental Health.


Chairman Akaka’s letter is enclosed below:

Dear Dr. Kussman:

I am writing to request the resignation of Dr. Ira Katz, Deputy Chief Patient Care Services Officer for Mental Health.

Dr. Katz’s personal conduct and professional judgment have been called into question by his response to the mental health needs of veterans, and in particular to veteran suicides. I believe veterans, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, would be best served by his immediate resignation.

America ’s veterans deserve mental health care of the highest quality. Many veterans returning from combat have complex mental health needs, and VA must be fully able to meet those needs. VA cannot be complacent in its efforts to prevent veteran suicide. I look forward to working with you to provide veterans with the best services possible.



Sincerely,



Daniel K. Akaka

Chairman

______________________________________
End of Chairmans Release