More than 400 Florida Veterans helped through Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, launched the first Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center (V-VEAC) July 29-31, 2020. The program proactively assisted veterans throughout the state of Florida with VA benefits, health care and resources in partnership with the Northeast Florida Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB).
“We were proud to partner with the VA on this virtual outreach event. We think this pilot program could be the start of a powerful new avenue to connect veterans nationwide with earned services, benefits and support,” said retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, deputy executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “We made a positive difference in the lives of these veterans and their families and look forward to more of these events as we honor those who served us.”
Virtual Veteran Outreach
More than 400 veterans received one-on-one assistance from the Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center. VA, State and Veteran and community based organizations helped eligible veterans in several areas. These included filing, updating and adjudicating claims; enrolling in VA health care and schedule medical appointments; access housing and temporary financial assistance and applying for Florida State Veterans’ Benefits Assistance.
Veterans eligible for VA health care and not previously enrolled could immediately connect for care during the event.
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie welcomed veterans calling in to the Virtual Veterans Experience Action Center.
“Where all the resources of your VA and our state and local partners will be available to address your care, benefits and resources needs from wherever you are,” he said.
The first day of the event, a veteran called needing urgent medical attention. A supervisory social worker at the Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic assisted the veteran. Staff enrolled the veteran in VA health care and arranged a medical rescue transfer to address his urgent medical needs. They also ensured coordination of care with a home health agency to support his ongoing needs.
To read more on this outreach event, click here.
https://floridavets.org/veterans-receive-assistance-from-va-community-partners-through-virtual-outreach/
Governor DeSantis highlights Veterans' Home Resident
Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted Korean War veteran Clyde Finch during his July 30 COVID-19 press conference. Finch, who tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered after nearly a month in the hospital, is a resident at the Alexander “Sandy” Nininger State Veterans' Home in Pembroke Pines. Please view the televised remarks by clicking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-IJS3B466g
TALLAHASSEE – The 2020 edition of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide is now available in print, courtesy of the Florida Veterans Foundation. The 32-page full color guide, with new legislative and COVID-19 updates, is also available online here.
To request an individual copy of the Florida Veterans’ Benefits Guide, please email FrazierM@fdva.state.fl.us
To request guides in bulk of 50 copies or more, please email Sferrazza-RiosL@fdva.state.fl.us
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, announced Aug. 7 the launch of a new foundation program granting family caregivers access to no-cost, short-term aid to help those caring for veterans in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic. For more information on this program, click here: https://floridavets.org/va-elizabeth-dole-foundation-to-offer-respite-relief-for-veteran-caregivers/
The Florida Health Care Association has named Liz Barton, administrator of the Douglas T. Jacobson State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port Charlotte, as its Nursing Home Administrator of the Year for 2020.
Barton has been administrator of her home since its opening in 2004. She was informed of the honor via a recent Zoom meeting with her family and colleagues from the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Barton, who supervises 175 health care professionals and support staff, was the first veterans’ home administrator to graduate from the FHCA Leadership Class in 2019. Her skilled-nursing facility is rated a Five-Star Quality Rated Facility by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
The Florida Health Care Association, founded in 1954, represents more than 600 long-term care centers in Florida in helping to shape public policy.
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