INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indianapolis veterans hospital is apologizing for a manager's email that pictures a toy Christmas elf posing as a patient who pleads for tranquilizers and hangs himself with an electrical cord.

The email obtained by the Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1Mn0My9 ) was sent by licensed social worker Robin Paul on Dec. 18. She manages the transitional clinic for returning veterans at the Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center. 

The clinic provides mental health and other services.

Roudebush spokeswoman Julie Webb says the email was “totally inappropriate'' and doesn't reflect the hospital's commitment to veterans. She says the matter was addressed administratively.

Paul continues to manage the clinic.

The email has sparked calls from veterans groups for an investigation as the nation battles a rising number of suicides among veterans.