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Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: Have You Considered Our Counties’ Departments of Human Services as a Useful Resource for Veterans?
Regarding veterans benefits and services in this valley,we most often think of those provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). The smattering of state veterans benefits are hardly given a thought. Admittedly, for the average veteran they are nonexistent.
However, veterans and their families sometimes forget that county-level human services resources do exist which might be useful to them. After all, Pennsylvania state government depends upon its counties to deliver the majority of its organized, social services. Unfortunately counties are generally inexpert at marketing or advertising the value of their Department of Human Services services to veterans and their families
Yet, to know of these resources is important, even for those receiving VA or DoD veterans benefits. (more…)
Forward Observer
Forward Observer: Vet Center Counseling Now Available During Training or Drill Weekends for the Guard– BUT NOT SO MUCH IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY?
On 27 August the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had formalized a partnership with the Department of Defense formalized a partnership on 28 June between VA’s Vet Centers and the National Guard Bureau, to provide Vet Center counseling, outreach staff and other services to members during training or drill weekends to decrease their suicide rate — a reputed problem in the Pennsylvania National Guard. (more…)
Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: Free Peer-to-Peer Recovery Training Opportunity
Hello LVMAC friends,
I want to share news about a training we are helping to coordinate – specifically for those working with veterans who are suffering with substance use disorders. Treatment Trends is collaborating with Pennsylvania Recovery Organizations Alliance (PRO-A) to offer a Special Training Opportunity:
On Friday, November 1, 2019, “Serving Those who SERVED” training will be offered at Cetronia Ambulance Corps, 4300 Broadway, Allentown, PA 18104. (more…)
Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: New VA Veteran and Caregiver “Combined” App
App combines telehealth tools for faster service
By now everyone should know that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in love with telehealth; moreover, telehealth apps. One end result is a multiplicity of them. On 13 August, the VA announced it had recently launched a new mobile application to save veterans and caregivers time online. It claims the VA Launchpad for Veterans simplifies and organizes several existing tools and resources at one convenient location — to help manage health care needs. (more…)
Forward Observer
Forward Observer: Law Suit Filed Over Delay in Blue Water Navy Claims Processing
On 22 July, the Military-Veterans Advocacy, a nonprofit legal organization which had a major role in overturning the VA’s decision not to process Blue Water Navy veterans’ Agent Orange claims through a remarkable legal action (Procopio vs. Wilkie), is now asking a federal judge to rescind a stay on Blue Water Navy claims processing imposed by Secretary Wilkie, aided and abetted by the U.S. Congress for good or ill. (more…)
Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: 9/11 Heroes Run – Lehigh Valley
Each year on or near September 11, local volunteers who have asked themselves “If Not Me, Then Who…” organize 9/11 Heroes Runs on behalf of the Travis Manion Foundation, a nearby local organization and an associate member, in more than Read more…
Forward Observer
Forward Observer: VA Ordered into Delayed Action on ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans
As a result of Public Law 116-23, Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 signed into law on 25 June, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) — having finally acknowledged its responsibility to attend to Blue Water Navy Read more…
Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: Bethany United Methodist Is Doing a Very Special Veterans Project
Bethany United Methodist Church, a member organization, after a fundraising effort, is about conduct a special, community build to improve the quality of life for “Bud” (a 101st Airborne Division, Purple Heart survivor of the Battle of Hamburger Hill) and his wife (a double amputee). This family was featured at both the Ride for Freedom and the Tribute to Our Freedom in May.
Here is their call to action for volunteers: (more…)
Tidbits
LVMAC Tidbit: VA Announces Final Community Care Regulations
On 5 June 2019, the VA finally announced the new rules of the game for three vital services under the MISSION Act of 2018: (more…)