State cuts medical services for veterans.

People are outraged over putting a price on veterans’ lives. The people, who put their lives on the line for the safety of our country, are losing medical services because of Louisiana state budget cuts. But a battle is brewing to keep the care our veterans say they so desperately need. Nbc 6 reporter Karen Hopkins spoke with people outraged over putting a price on our veterans lives. “How can you put money over lives?" Nikki Hayward says state budget cuts could put her best friends life at risk. Ruth stone is one of 147 residents at the Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home. She served 21 years active duty army. After suffering a double stroke, she has no voice. “That could be me in there, and then I’d be looking to someone else to talk for me." Louisiana faces nearly a billion dollar budget shortfall. A state streamlining committee looked at the efficiency of all agencies and made recommendations on cuts. In response, the Department of Veterans Affairs eliminated in house pharmacies and nurse practitioners in the states 5 veteran homes to save $1.5 million. “The family members are concerned of all the changes, the pharmacy is a big issue,” Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home administrator Byron Hines says. The pharmacy closed last week. The shelves are already empty. If veterans need emergency medication, theyll have to order from a local pharmacy at a high price. “For Ruth its not too bad, but for others it could be devastating. They might not have the money." The home will lay off its only nurse practitioner Friday. Thirty-three nurses will remain, but the practitioner has more training and can diagnose problems before it’s too late. “If its eroded with budget cuts, who is going to look out for her? I cant." Caddo parish commissioner Ken Epperson wants to send a resolution to the governor and legislators opposing the cuts. The budget isnt final. Lawmakers could restore funding. “Veterans should be the last ones to cut. We can find some other means instead of cutting services for our veterans." Hayward says these veterans have already given up a lot and shouldnt have to sacrifice more. “Lord knows theres enough people in here who have lost limbs." The Northwest Louisiana War Veterans home opened in April of 2007. The nursing home has 156 beds. Veterans pay about $16,644 a month to stay.