Blumenthal Requests Investigation, Immediate Safety Measures Following Overdose Death at West Haven VA

(Hartford, CT) – Following the overdose death of an inpatient veteran at the West Haven Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote Linda Holiday, Deputy Inspector General for the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Veteran Affairs urging immediate steps to ensure inpatient veteran safety at the facility. Blumenthal wrote the letter on December 24, 2015. The incident was reported in the New Haven Register today.

Full text of the letter is copied below:

Dear Ms. Holiday,

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the recent death of Zachary Greenough at the West Haven Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Medical Center. My staff has received allegations of reprehensible misconduct at West Haven that may have led to Mr. Greenough’s tragic death.   I ask that you take immediate steps to investigate this death, and work with criminal authorities in their inquiries as well.

My staff has received information that Mr. Greenough obtained illegal drugs while living in a residential inpatient setting at the West Haven Campus.  A full and immediate investigation is essential concerning the specifics of this incident as well as systemic issues regarding staffing and security.  In addition, there should be a review by your office and mental health experts as to whether this type of residential inpatient facility was appropriate treatment under these circumstances.

The very egregious factual allegations concerning this tragic death, while as yet unconfirmed, raise serious questions about access to drugs and other broader issues that may implicate policies and procedures at the VA.

Any misuse or abuse of drugs, especially causing death to a veteran, is inexcusable.  I am sure you share my outrage and that your investigation will reflect the urgency of this issue.  My staff can provide additional information, and I would appreciate your briefing them on the steps that you will take in response to this horrible tragedy.

Sincerely,

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