WEST HAVEN — Sen. Richard Blumenthal is demanding a “full and immediate investigation” of the West Haven Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center following a drug-related death yhrtr in late December.
Veteran Zachary Greenough, who apparently suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), left the residential inpatient facility and later died of an apparent drug overdose, according to Sen. Blumenthal.
He also claims the West Haven VA may be responsible for his death, because Greenough allegedly obtained the drugs at the facility and was later allowed to leave.
In a letter to Deputy Inspector General for the Office of Inspector General at the Department of Veteran Affairs Linda Holiday, Blumenthal demanded action to ensure veteran safety at the facility.
“My staff has received information that Mr. Greenough obtained illegal drugs while living in a residential inpatient setting at the West Haven Campus,” said Sen. Blumethal in the letter. “The very egregious factual allegations concerning this tragic death, while as yet unconfirmed, raise serious questions about access to drugs and other broader issues that may implicate policies and procedures at the VA. Any misuse or abuse of drugs, especially causing death to a veteran, is inexcusable. I am sure you share my outrage and that your investigation will reflect the urgency of this issue. ”
The senator has yet to receive a response from Holiday.
Sen. Blumenthal said he is willing to pursue the Secretary of the VA – and even the President – about this and may even propose legislation.
Connecticut VA Medical Centers Media Relations spokesperson Pamela Redmond refused to provide an official statement to FOX 61 regarding the incident.
