The Department of Veterans Affairs is designated by Congress as the nation's last line of defense in a major health emergency, but so far it has not received a call from the White House, ProPublica reports.
Officials at the agency say they are prepared to help, but are not taking requests from state or local governments. The request must come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"VA stands ready to support civilian healthcare systems in the event those systems encounter capacity issues," press secretary Christina Mandreucci told ProPublica. "At this time, VA has not received specific requests from FEMA for assistance."
When the website asked the White House about the matter, it was reffered to the VA, which referred it to the Department of Health and Human Services and FEMA. HHS referred back to FEMA and FEMA back to the VA, ProPublica said.
The VA has had some coronavirus duties, including asking 12 health technicians and nursing assistants to aid with coronavirus screenings in February. It also sent 14 medical technicians to aid with evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
Also, the California state veterans agency said a VA emergency manager helped provide supplies including N95 masks.
The Wall Street Journal earlier this year reported the VA was standing ready for the call to spring into action.
"It is unconscionable that HHS has not utilized every tool it has to address the real suffering of individuals in this nation and called upon VA," Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., wrote to HHS Secretary Alex Azar on March 25. "States, communities and patients are already suffering as a result of HHS's inaction. Get them help now."
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