Murray seeks resignation of top VA mental health official

Murray seeks resignation of top VA mental health official
By MATTHEW DALY, Associated Press Writer

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

(04-22) 15:19 PDT Washington, CA (AP) --

A Democratic senator on Tuesday called for the chief mental health official of the Department of Veterans Affairs to resign, saying he tried to cover up the rising number of veteran suicides.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said Dr. Ira Katz, the VA's mental health director, deliberately withheld crucial information on the true suicide risk among veterans.

"Doctor Katz's irresponsible actions have been a disservice to our veterans, and it is time for him to go," said Murray, a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. "The number one priority of the VA should be caring for our veterans, not covering up the truth."

Murray and other Democratic senators said they were appalled at e-mails showing Katz and other VA officials apparently trying to conceal the number of suicides by veterans. An e-mail message from Katz disclosed this week as part of a lawsuit that went to trial in San Francisco this week starts with "Shh!" and refers to the 12,000 veterans per year who attempt suicide while under department treatment.

"Is this something we should (carefully) address ourselves in some sort of release before someone stumbles on it?" the e-mail asks.

A VA spokesman declined immediate comment Tuesday.
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