OPEA

 



For Immediate Release:
June 17, 2008
Oklahoma City—Officials with the Oklahoma Public Employees Association (OPEA) are commending efforts by workers at the Norman Veteran’s Center (NVC).

“We believe recent allegations of neglect at NVC are unfounded,” said Sterling Zearley, OPEA Executive Director.  “Employees at the center provide excellent care and are dedicated to taking care of our veterans.”

The NVC is one of seven centers operated by the Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA).  Each veteran is provided lodging, medical care, pharmaceutical and on-site medical laboratory and radiological services.  Volunteers are also a major part in improving the quality of life by providing additional activities and support to the residents.

“The care our members provide is overseen by numerous outside agencies, veterans groups, professional licensing entities and families of our veterans.  Our members believe the veterans at NVC receive incredible care from compassionate state employees and we welcome any additional investigation necessary to assure the public of our commitment,” Zearley said.

The ODVA asked legislators for 81 additional patient care assistants, 30 of which would have been at NVC.  They also asked for a pay increase to help eliminate the 96 percent turnover at the facility. 

“Unfortunately our state lawmakers saw fit to give a tax break to bring a major-league basketball team to town, while ignoring the plight of our state workers and war heroes.  We stand with our OPEA members at NVC and commend them for their tireless dedication to excellent care,” Zearley said.