SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (WBAY) - The Green Bay VA clinic has stopped offering esketamine, a nasal spray known under the brand name Spravato, after the doctor certified to administer it left the facility. Michael Engel, a nine-year Army veteran from outside Clintonville, has been using esketamine since February 2022 and described its significant positive impact on his mental health.
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Engel was receiving the treatment twice a month but was left without care following his doctor's departure at the end of June, a position that has yet to be filled. Engel indicated that he struggled to secure a timely appointment, with his first available slot being on October 19 in Milwaukee, which requires a two-hour commute each way.
To address his concerns, Engel has reached out to Congressman Tony Wied, who has been in contact with Engel and other affected veterans. Wied emphasized the necessity for prompt and quality care, stating that his office is advocating for Engel and others facing similar issues.
Engel expressed hope that the Green Bay and Milwaukee VA facilities could collaborate to restore treatment at the Green Bay site, noting, "Without it, there’s 14 to 15 of us who are just lost, and they offered it and took it away."
As of Monday, the VA had not provided a response to inquiries about the situation. Previous communications from the Milwaukee VA indicated efforts to train existing staff and hire a replacement doctor.