INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indianapolis veterans hospital has suspended a manager who sent an email picturing a toy Christmas elf posing as a patient who pleads for tranquilizers and hangs himself with an electrical cord.
The Indianapolis Star and WRTV report the Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center placed Robin Paul on administrative leave Tuesday pending further investigation. Paul managed the transitional clinic for returning veterans that provides mental health and other services.
Roudebush spokeswoman Julie Webb said the Dec. 18 email obtained by the Star was “totally inappropriate” and didn't reflect the hospital's commitment to veterans.
Publicity over the email has created a firestorm of criticism from veterans groups and members of Congress.
The VA estimates that 22 veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S.
