Earlier this year, the relatively new Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) stepped in and righted a wrong over a matter of significance to those veterans who struggle with alcohol or drug use. Its action should not go unnoticed, for it has a deep impact on the way business has been done in the past. (more…)
On 17 February, in an effort to improve contact between the serviced veterans and their assigned clinical teams, Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), the Wilkes-Barre VAMC has announced the opening of a one-stop call center with a one-call number (1-877-928-2621) beginning 19 February 2016. It is intended to help those using the Medical Center and their Community-Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC) — the Lehigh Valley has two of these, one in Allentown and another in the Bangor area; and it will provide veterans with a direct line of contact to schedule or cancel appointments, relay messages to their provider, request medication refills, or have their calls routed to the appropriate service. (more…)
Mr. Richard Moore, the Chairman of our Scholarship Committee, has asked we announce that the LVMAC scholarship application period starts on 1 February and ends 31 May 2016. Applications arriving after 31 May will not be considered. For details and application forms, click here. ### As of 29 January 2016
Homes on the Homefront, a program of Operation Homefront, is again offering a renovated home in Pennsylvania. In the vicinity of our area alone, about five homes over the last two years have been offered and occupied. While this one is in Hanover, York County — well outside our operational Read more…
As a result of Winter Storm Jonas, the Allentown VA Outpatient Clinic closed 25 January due to a significant snow load accumulating on the roof. The weight of the snow has caused a deflection in the roof which generated concern over occupying it. This is the second known occurrence due to Read more…
Robin Carmody, our Chair of the Veterans Reading Brigade, is calling for veterans to step forward and volunteer to read to elementary school students during school hours and/or after-school programs in the Allentown School District (We can use volunteers for other school districts as well.). (more…)
On 8 January, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), after unexplained foot-dragging resulting from the budgetary impasse, finally announced the availability of up to $550,000 in competitive grants. It gives the Lehigh Valley community of nonprofits an opportunity to do more for its military veterans and their families. The suspense for submitting a proposal is 5 February 2016, 4 p.m.
The source of the funding is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which was created to expedite or expand services to veterans and their families using an alternate source of 
funding. Over the years, the gears of state government have ground far too slowly to be responsive to their needs. (more…)
VA Plans to Issue Regulations for Presumptive Conditions Which Will Expand Disability Benefits Eligibility for Veterans Exposed to Contaminated Water at Camp Lejeune
We’ve reported on this previously. While someone located at Camp Lejeune during the period in question could seek and obtain healthcare from the VA, compensation was another matter.
However, on 17 December the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it plans to propose expanded disability compensation eligibility for veterans exposed to contaminated drinking water while assigned to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. From 1953 to 1987, water sources at the base were contaminated with industrial solvents that statistically correlate with certain health conditions. (more…)
NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 17, 2015
Harrisburg, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs encourages Pennsylvania veterans to connect with them via their new online Pennsylvania Veterans Registry at www.register.dmva.pa.gov for assistance with obtaining veterans benefits and services. (more…)
Homes on the Homefront, a program of Operation Homefront, is offering another renovated home in our vicinity — about the fourth or fifth one since the the program began. This one is in Effort, PA. Deadline for application is 13 December. For details on the home, the program and how Read more…