Salem VAMC employees picket Virginia Commission on Care

SALEM (WSLS10) - Nearly two dozen people lined the roads along the Salem Veterans Medical Center Wednesday to picket the Virginia Commission on Care.

The VA Commission on Care is looking to privatize the care veterans receive and that could potentially close all Departments of Veteran Affairs Medical Centers.

If congress moves forward with the change, experts say this would affect outpatient services and the hundreds of veterans who receive care.

"It's very important," commented Anita Campbell, the president of the American Federation of Government Employees. "I have nephews and nieces in service right now and I want them to be able to have health care when they come back and good health care."

Many told us it's about the government keeping the promise to provide health care to its veterans. Others we spoke to voiced concerns about the quality of care if this change takes effect.