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Gubernatorial candidate McGuire tours IVH

Talks healthcare and veterans causes

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Andy McGuire toured the Iowa Veterans Home Thursday afternoon, meeting with staff and residents. Commandant Timon Oujiri, right, led the tour, stopping to introduce the candidate to passersby. McGuire took a particular interest in the facility’s medical department where she chatted with staff about the advances in medical technology.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Andy McGuire toured the Iowa Veterans Home Thursday afternoon, meeting with staff and residents, and sharing insights into her progressive campaign and long term goals for the State of Iowa.

Commandant Timon Oujiri led the tour, stopping to introduce the candidate to passersby. McGuire took a particular interest in the facility’s medical department where she chatted with staff about the advances in medical technology, namely, the ease in which patients and doctors can stay in touch.

“The VA really pioneered telehealth. A lot of people don’t know that,” she said of her experience in the field.

The candidate got a behind the scenes look at the IVH’s kitchen area, residents’ living quarters, social space, activities’ room, and more.

“Our kitchen prepares 1,700 meals a day, and our laundry facility washes 5,000 wash cloths a day,” Oujiri said of the scope of the facility.

McGuire, who is a native of Waterloo, is a medical doctor and mother of seven. From 2015-6 she served as Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party. Growing up the daughter of a World War II veteran, McGuire said she found many of the residents at IVH relatable, and has their best interests at heart.

“Vets protected us, and we should protect them. They’re the salt of the earth,” she said.

In an interview with the Times-Republican she noted the ways in which she believes she differs from the other Democratic candidates running for governor.

“Everywhere I go, everyone is talking about healthcare: Medicare, Medicaid, nursing homes, mental health, and clean air and water,” McGuire said. “All those issues are really about health. I’m a doctor, and have been in healthcare all my life. I took an oath to help people first, and I don’t think that’s the way it’s been working.”

McGuire has been a critic of the privatization of Medicare, vowing to reverse the decision if elected governor. She is also an advocate for improving Iowa’s water and air quality.

“I’m about solutions. That’s what scientists do,” she said. “Climate change is happening.”

McGuire is one of six Democratic candidates running for governor, including Nate Bolton, Cathy Glasson, Fred Hubbell, John Norris and Ross Wilburn. The Democratic Primary will be held June 5.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

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