VA Secretary tells Montana veterans: We need to do more

HELENA (AP) — Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald told veterans in Helena the VA needs to do more to make sure Montana veterans get the health care they need in a timely fashion.

McDonald says the VA has made hires in Billings and Helena and is working to hire primary care doctors and those specializing in mental health particularly in rural areas of the state.

McDonald spoke Tuesday along with U.S. Sen. Jon Tester at the Montana National Guard headquarters near Helena's Fort Harrison VA hospital.

Montana is the 20th state McDonald has visited since replacing Eric Shinseki in July. Shinseki resigned last year in a scandal in which employees throughout the VA's massive hospital system conspired to hide months-long wait times that veterans faced when seeking care.

McDonald and Tester are also meeting with veterans in Missoula and Billings.