Press Releases

Yesterday it was reported that veterans could no longer receive acute inpatient care, including medical detoxification and substance abuse care at Castle Point.

Washington, DC - 2/4/25... Today, following reporting that Veterans could no longer receive acute inpatient care – including medical detoxification and substance abuse care – at the Castle Point VA, Congressmen Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-18) and Hudson Valley veterans are demanding that the inpatient unit be immediately re-opened. Castle Point is one of only a handful of VA facilities in the region, providing critical addiction services and acute medical care to Veterans across the Hudson Valley.

“Shutting down acute inpatient care, including services for detoxification and substance abuse care, at the Castle Point VA facility is unacceptable. Our veterans didn't make the incredible sacrifices they did to be short-changed in services here at home," said Congressman Lawler. "I'm proud to join a bipartisan group of elected officials demanding that this facility stay open - anything less is unacceptable.”

“This is outrageous, and a fundamental breach of the sacred duty we have to care for our veterans who’ve put their lives on the line for our country,” stated Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our community has always taken up the call to have our veterans’ backs, including just a few years ago when Castle Point was under threat of complete closure. Now is the time for all of us to stand up and FIGHT alongside our veterans with urgency again. We need to be loud, we need to be strong, and we need to be direct: this unit must be reopened immediately.”

"I am deeply disturbed by the abrupt, temporary closure of the E2 Unit at Castle Point VA Hospital. Most of us don’t know or can’t imagine the trauma our service men and women experience on a daily basis — which is why this unit is so vital to their well-being,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “It isn’t just a facility; it’s a lifeline for our veterans between Albany and the Bronx, especially for those here in Dutchess County. I know firsthand that this unit saves lives, providing critical inpatient care and preparing veterans for rehabilitation. With so many already facing barriers to mental health support, this decision puts our heroes at even greater risk. I urge the VA to reverse this decision immediately so that our veterans can continue to receive the care they so deserve."

“This is absolutely unacceptable. I know how valuable this unit is because I've witnessed firsthand the unbelievable care that the nurses and doctors provide there, and how much they truly care,” stated Adam Roche of Dutchess County Veteran Services. “If we allow this step to be taken, they will keep coming back for more. We will not settle when it comes to care for our veterans. This has to stop now.” 

“As a Veteran who utilizes Castle Point services, and an advocate for Veterans in Dutchess County who are receiving services, I wholeheartedly disagree with this decision and the secretive nature around it,” said Alyssa Carrion, Veterans Program Director, Veterans Services, MHA Ulster County, Pleasant Valley. “When a Veteran comes to us at their lowest, they know we will transport and sit with them at Castle Point until admitted to detox before being transferred to care at Montrose or another VA facility. During this time, we visit the Vets and keep them encouraged and focused on recovery. What now? Where do they go that is a Veteran safe space for their care? We have Veteran services to provide the best possible care to those who have served our country, and closing this ward is in no way in line with those values.  

"This would be a disastrous decision for the thousands of veterans in the Hudson Valley who depend on the VA for healthcare. Our veterans desperately need more healthcare options, not less. They earned it. We can all agree our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our nation, yet they are being given cutbacks and empty promises in return,” stated Tommy Zurhellen, Former Commander, VFW Post 170 and Founder of VetZero, a veteran service program in Poughkeepsie. “Simply put, losing the acute care unit at our Hudson Valley VA hospital puts the lives of our veterans and their families at risk. At the VA, our veterans rely on medical professionals who understand the unique health challenges of the men and women who have been exposed to burn pits, agent orange, toxic chemicals and biologic weapons, and more. This decision puts thousands of lives at risk, but perhaps even more distressing, it sends a stark message to our veterans: we don't care about you and your family. I know I speak for my fellow veterans advocates here in the Hudson Valley when I say, please stop this horrible decision."

“This closure is unacceptable for our veterans because we need to be removing barriers to care, not creating more,” said Mark Cozzupoli, Director of Ulster County Veteran Services. “We are aware of this closure, and we’ve already had to adjust as we seek ways to continue serving our local at-risk veterans. Further, this closure puts more strain on all other resources necessary to serve the thousands of local veterans in need.”

"I'm very concerned about the recent decision to temporarily close the Acute Inpatient Unit at Castle Point VA Medical Center. This unit provides critical, life saving care to our veterans that is vital in preparing them for the next phase of treatment and rehabilitation,” stated Peter Maraday, Hudson Valley Regional Manager, Clear Path for Veterans. “This care is performed in an environment that provides our Hudson Valley Heroes comfort and security knowing they are being treated by staff that understands the unique nature of their background and needs. I respectfully request that the leadership at Castle Point VA reconsider their recent decision to temporarily shut down the E2 Unit and continue providing the excellent care our veteran community has come to expect and appreciate."

“As a Veteran that utilizes Hudson Valley VA services, I can personally say the impact of any departmental closure within the Hudson VA would be significant for veterans in the Hudson Valley, particularly those who rely on Castle Point for critical healthcare services,” said Gavin Walters of Vet2Vet of Ulster and Greene Counties. “Many veterans face transportation challenges, financial constraints, and service-related health issues that make access to care essential. A closure to any department would not only disrupt continuity of care but could also lead to increased hardship and negative health outcomes for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

“Once again, we see Veterans living in rural communities subjected to potential cuts and closures at Castle Point. Directly affecting their healthcare and quality of life by reducing access to critical services. These cuts not only impact the Veteran, they impact the Hudson Valley,” stated Kevin Keaveny, President of the Hudson Valley Center for Veteran Reintegration. “Where do these Veterans go if potential cuts move forward? Community care? Our region struggles to resource medical and mental health professionals as it is. “Dumping” our Veterans into a healthcare system that is already overburdened is not the answer. Castle Point is not a convenience, it is a necessity for Veterans living in the Hudson Valley. At what point do we say enough is enough?”

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.