DeKalb Times

After more than 30 deaths at an Illinois Veterans' Home that started in November 2020, the U.S. Veterans Affairs began an investigation, finding four state-run facilities responsible for the lack of prevention policies.

The LaSalle home reported 36 deaths, 24 at Quincy, 19 at Manteno and none at Anna. All deaths were from residents and a result of COVID-19.

"A recent report from two state agencies and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found Illinois' four state-run veterans homes lack standardized infection prevention policies despite previous audits suggesting they be implemented," Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) said on Facebook on March 24.

The Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, the Illinois Department of Health, and the Veterans' Integrated Service Network for Region 12 of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs conducted the review. The departments conducted 15 visits to the four homes and weekly videoconferences between the homes and agencies. In the end, their report documented the misuse of personal protective equipment, social distancing violations and nonalcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Before the Veterans Affairs findings, Keicher wanted answers for the families of the deceased during a December hearing — at one point, getting frustrated that took accountability.

"When is someone going to own this? We all feel bad; we all are devastated at the loss of these 33 individuals," Keicher said. "But I keep hearing dodges; I keep hearing explanations. But I don't hear ownership!"

Then-Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Linda Chapa LaVia ended up taking ownership in the meeting and stepped down from the position in January 2021, and was replaced by Terry Prince, a 31-year Navy veteran to help navigate through this crisis.

The report made six recommendations for the four homes on how they can improve their COVID-19 procedures and prevent future outbreaks.

"We can and MUST do better to protect all veterans in the state's care," Keicher said on Facebook.

The report called for the facilities to come up with a new infection control approach and to better train while increasing staff at the facilities.

The Interagency Infection Prevention Project's report said their goal was to "support an integrated and comprehensive response to COVID-19."

Prince has prior experience leading Veterans' Homes, with his most recent position as Superintendent of the Ohio Veterans' Homes.