Massachusetts Veterans Services Secretary Dr. Jon Santiago is preparing to leave his position by year's end.

The emergency room doctor-turned-cabinet secretary began his three-year tenure by shepherding the creation of the commonwealth's Executive Office of Veterans Services in the wake of dozens of COVID-related deaths at veterans' homes in Holyoke and Chelsea.

Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

"There was a loss of trust in the community, locally, at Holyoke and Chelsea. So, it really needed a rebirth, a transformation," said Santiago. "We secured hundreds of millions of dollars from D.C. to make Holyoke happen and I'm proud to say that today it's ahead of schedule. The plan is to open next week."

That process began shortly after the tragedy by i

See Full Page