Issues First and the Coalition of Veteran’s Advocates (COVA) will hold a vigil on Thursday, July 22, from 5 to 7pm at the KDKA gardens to protest the closing of the Highland Drive Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lincoln Lemington. The Highland Drive Center, which houses primarily psychiatric services, was targeted for closing, according to vigil organizers, because it is the oldest and least used of the three VA hospitals in Pittsburgh. Organizers point out that the closing will create hardships for veterans in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, particularly those suffering from mental illness or substance abuse, who currently benefit from the hospital’s specialized care and calm environment. Patients from the Highland Avenue Center would be routed to already-crowded VA facilities in Oakland. The vigil is meant to "send a strong message to lawmakers" that veterans deserve care and support throughout their lives, not just in wartime.

Issues First and COVA invite all supporters of veterans to join them. KDKA is at 1 Gateway Center Downtown, behind the Hilton Hotel, close to Point Park.

Issues First is a citizens group concerned with the welfare of Americans’ social programs in times of war. They can be reached at IssuesFirst@yahoo.com or 412-421-5789. COVA can be reached at uz2bface@davisp.com or 412-241-5886.