VA establishes 120-day task force on inclusion, diversity, equity and access Posted 4/19/21 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough established a 120-day task force to conduct a whole-of-VA review and to design and implement a holistic and integrated VA mission on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. VA strives to provide quality care and services to all Veterans regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender and sexual identity but a 2019 Government Accountability Office report reveals that Veterans from underserved communities continue to face barriers to accessing VA health services. “Systemic barriers that underserved communities face many times negatively impact Veterans,” said McDonough. “In order to overcome many of these barriers, VA must tap into its vast diversity and use it as a major source of strength. The implementation of this task force will help the department become the inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible team our Veterans, their families, survivors and caregivers deserve.”