Billionaire Finds Himself At Center Of Contentious Debate Over VA Privatization

Steve Cohen's organization funded mental health clinics for veterans across the country. The network of facilities has been closely watched by both sides of the debate -- to find proof that the private sector can do the job better than the VA or as a way to highlight the dangers of directing taxpayer money to unaccountable private groups.

A thorough examination of the Cohen Network’s record — including internal documents, emails and dozens of interviews with current and former employees — reveals a different story from the one the Cohen Network tells about itself. The clinic at the University of Southern California was doomed by the Cohen Network’s mismanagement and insistence on a narrow focus that helped only a subset of veterans, former employees said. (Arnsdorf, 8/3)

In other veterans health care news —

This is the monthly meeting of the Santa Cruz Veterans Alliance’s Compassion Program. Veterans gather to learn about local veterans services, talk to others who are self-medicating with marijuana and pick up a voucher for free cannabis at the SCVA’s dispensary. (Almanzan, 8/3)

Healing by horticulture is not a new concept. It doesn't work for everyone but Green Veterans, which recently opened a chapter in Milwaukee, is leveraging urban gardening and agriculture as an alternative therapy for people with PTSD and other trauma-related experiences, said Brian Sales, leader of the Milwaukee chapter of Green Veterans. (Jones, 8/5)

This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.

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