[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE ROBERT J. DOLE VA MEDICAL CENTER AND THE CITY OF 
                                WICHITA

  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. President. I rise today to recognize the Robert J. 
Dole VA Medical Center and the city of Wichita for their exceptional 
commitment to providing world-class healthcare to our Nation's 
veterans.
  Recently, Wichita was recognized as the top city in the Nation for 
veterans' healthcare. This recognition highlights the unwavering 
dedication of the staff of the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and 
city leadership in delivering accessible, high-quality, and 
compassionate healthcare to those who served our country.
  For the second year in a row, the Dole VA received the maximum 5-star 
rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services--a remarkable 
achievement that places the Dole VA in the top 8 percent of hospitals 
nationwide. This 5-star rating highlights the Dole VA's commitment to 
not only meet but exceed the standards of the healthcare industry.
  In addition to the 5-star rating, the Dole VA ranked first among 132 
VA hospitals nationwide for access to specialty care. It offers the 
shortest average wait time in the country for existing patients to see 
a cardiologist--just 3.8 days. The Dole VA also ranks second in the 
Nation for both routine specialty care access, at 95 percent, and 
urgent specialty care access, at 90 percent. Additionally, it holds the 
third-shortest wait time for new patients seeking pulmonology services. 
These accomplishments are a testament to the outstanding leadership and 
the tireless dedication of the staff at the Dole VA.
  The city of Wichita is also playing a vital role in providing care 
for our Nation's veterans, particularly in the area of mental health. 
Wichita ranks fifth in the Nation for access to mental health services, 
offering the seventh shortest average wait time for existing patients 
to access care--just 0.3 days--and the ninth shortest for new patients, 
at only 1.4 days. Additionally, Wichita ranks sixth nationally in 
overall hospital care quality and holds the eighth shortest wait time 
for existing patients seeking primary care. These distinctions reflect 
a city deeply committed to ensuring those in need receive the high-
quality healthcare necessary.
  As a country, we owe a great debt to those who served, and the Dole 
VA and the city of Wichita are setting the standard for how that debt 
should be paid. I now ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and the city of Wichita for these 
exceptional achievements. Furthermore, I ask that my colleagues join me 
in thanking the dedicated healthcare workforce in Wichita for their 
unwavering commitment to serving those who have worn the uniform.

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