Tom Bowman will discuss the VA’s efforts to modernize and transform the Veteran’s Administration to meet veterans’ needs in the 21st Century.

SEMINOLE – The Hon. Tom Bowman, deputy secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the featured speaker at the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions’ Spring Forum on Feb. 15 at St. Petersburg College.

In his address, titled VA Reform: Modernization and Transformation, Bowman will discuss VA’s efforts to modernize and transform VA to meet veterans’ needs in the 21st Century. After his remarks, Bowman will join a panel of local VA officials and veteran advocates to discuss progress and challenges for VA in this transformation.

The forum, titled VA Reform: Fulfilling the Promise to Veterans, will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Conference Center on SPC’s Seminole Campus, 9200 113^th St. N.

VA reform has been a promise of presidential administrations since it was last reformed more than two decades ago. Yet, despite passage of a $16.3 billion VA Reform Act four years ago, challenges remain.

Joining Bowman on the panel:

• Suzanne Klinker, director, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
• Alfonso Carreno, M.D., chief of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Service, Bay Pines VA Medical Center
• Rev. Father Robert “Bob” Swick, retired Marine Corps captain, chaplain and veterans advocate

VA’s transformation efforts are intended to modernize systems, better focus resources, improve timeliness in delivery of care and benefits, provide greater choice for veterans on how they receive their care and prevent veteran suicide, VA’s top clinical priority. These efforts look to address common veterans’ complaints regarding outdated systems for scheduling appointments, long waits for processing of disability claims, and gaps in PTSD and mental health treatment.

Admission is free, but advance registration is requested at solutions.spcollege.edu.

Photo of Tom Bowman courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

St. Petersburg College | SPC | Tom Bowman | Veterans | Veterans Administration | Tampabay News

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