Bill Overview
Title: Max Cleland VA Medical Center Act
Description: This act designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Atlanta, Georgia, as the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center or the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Sponsors: Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans who use the VA Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Estimated Size: 1000000
- The bill involves renaming a VA Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
- The immediate population impacted will be the veterans who receive services at the medical center.
- Staff and management involved with the medical center will be directly impacted by the name change.
- The population of veterans in Georgia and, more specifically, those who use this facility will be aware of and potentially impacted by the renaming.
- The renaming is largely symbolic so it may not have a substantial impact on the operational level.
Reasoning
- The renaming of a VA Medical Center has symbolic significance, especially to veterans familiar with Senator Max Cleland's contributions.
- This policy directly affects veterans using the Atlanta VA Medical Center and its staff, potentially boosting morale by honoring a respected veteran.
- Given the symbolic nature of the policy, it's unlikely to directly improve services or health outcomes for veterans but might offer a small emotional or psychological benefit.
- The impact on wellbeing for the wider veteran population who do not frequent the Atlanta VA is likely to be minimal.
- Approximately 100,000 veterans are estimated to use the Atlanta VA Medical Center, a fraction of the national veteran population.
Simulated Interviews
Veteran (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think renaming the VA center after Max Cleland is a fitting tribute. He was a great advocate for veterans.
- It doesn't directly impact my treatment but adds a sense of pride.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Physician (Marietta, Georgia)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming the center draws positive attention to our services.
- It's symbolic but important for acknowledging Max Cleland's legacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veteran (Savannah, Georgia)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate the gesture, but it's just a name change.
- I'd prefer more investment in services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Veteran (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It doesn't matter much to me personally.
- Could boost morale slightly at the center.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Clerk at VA Medical Center (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming the center is a nice gesture.
- Doesn't impact my workday much but adds a sense of pride.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired Veteran (Augusta, Georgia)
Age: 71 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming the center is an honor to Cleland but doesn't affect me directly.
- I hope it brings more attention to veteran issues.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
VA Administrator (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s a positive step for our community and staff.
- Shows respect for Cleland's legacy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran (Columbus, Georgia)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’ve never been to that center, so it doesn’t affect me.
- It’s good to see veterans appreciated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Veteran Affairs Regional Officer (Duluth, Georgia)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming is largely symbolic but reinforces Cleland's contributions.
- Could inspire advocacy for policy changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Social Worker at VA (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Renaming can be a source of pride for the community.
- Minor impact on daily work but symbolic value is important.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $250000, High: $750000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The act involves symbolic changes with minor logistical adjustments.
- Operational functions of the VA Medical Center remain unchanged.
- Impacts are primarily nominal, focusing on recognition and honoring an individual.