Save the Date: Special Event on May 26th

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) will hold a special event on Facebook, Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Please join the Department for a presentation in recognition of Memorial Day and D-Day, as well as briefings on MDVA and state veteran programs. The event will be streamed live on Facebook via Zoom. More Information on registration will follow in a future newsletter.

MDVA Website

Members of American Legion Post 238 in Hughesville, as well as members of the Sons of American Legion Post 238 donated a very generous gift of $6,493.  This donation will be used to purchase an Electric Bariatric Stand-In Table with motorized lift which will aid in the care of residents at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home.

MDVA Secretary George Owings recently met with members of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) regarding their plans to create a corps of volunteers to assist veterans.  Thank you to the members of NARFE for your efforts.

This memorable photo of members of NARFE Maryland Chapter 969 Veterans was taken at a NARFE event.  Veterans in this gathering served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Granada and Desert Storm.

Department of Natural Resources News

Lots of News from DNR: Welcome to Boating Clinics Make Your Park Reservations Now Recreational Crabbing Season Now Open Statewide Spring Turkey Season Open Black Bears Emerging from Winter Dens Climate Leadership Academy Offers Day & Evening Courses Maryland Parks Look to Set Third Record Breaking Year Celebrate Earth Day virtually with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This year, we are asking our audience to visit our Facebook page to tell us how you connected more with the outdoors during this difficult past year. Comments, photos, and stories are welcome.

Before It's Too Late

Before It’s Too Late is the state’s effort to bring awareness to the opioid and substance use crisis and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, enforcement, and treatment. Marylanders struggling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLate.Maryland.gov; through our state's crisis hotline, Call 211, Press 1; or by texting their ZIP code to 898-211.

The Opioid Operational Command Center (OOCC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) have released their 2020 Annual Report on the opioid crisis in Maryland. The 2020 Annual Report can be found here. The 2021 Inter-Agency Opioid Coordination Plan can be found here. 

2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly has Adjourned

The Maryland General Assembly has completed work in Annapolis for the 2021 Legislative Session.  As a service to the veteran community, information on legislation of possible interest to veterans is provided below:

2021 Legislative Information

You may check the status of the legislation by visiting the:

Maryland General Assembly Website

United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough visited the VA hospital in Baltimore on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

SAVE LIVES Act

More Information on Vaccinations from the VA Maryland Health Care System

VA Maryland Health Care System Seeks Volunteers for Phone Buddy Program

As we continue to adjust to the “new normal” created by COVID-19, some Veterans may find themselves dealing with loneliness, fear, anxiety, and self-isolation. The VA Maryland Health Care System is now offering help through the Compassionate Contact Corps also known as the “Phone Buddy” program.  Veterans who are enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System are paired with a VA Maryland Health Care System regularly scheduled Volunteer for weekly phone check-ins or conversations. The specially trained volunteers make regularly scheduled calls, texts, or virtual contact with Veterans to help promote socialization and enhance Veteran well-being.  We are accepting referrals from Veterans currently enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System. If you are a Veteran enrolled in the VA Maryland Health Care System and interested in learning more about this program, please request to be referred by one of your VA assigned clinicians. For additional information contact Lynae Johnson with VA Voluntary Services: Phone: 410-350-5901 Email: lynae.johnson@va.gov Hours available for calls: Mon. – Fri. 8:00am to 4:30pm Volunteer Brochure

Federal News

FEMA Funeral Assistance Fact Sheet

SAVE LIVES Act - VA provides COVID-19 Vaccines to Veterans, Spouses & Caregivers

VA Assistance for Veterans Experiencing or At Risk of Homelessness during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Those Experiencing Homelessness can Get Economic Impact Payments

VA Advisory Committee on Women Veterans, Notice of Meeting

Early Screening for Lung Cancer Saves Lives

Hiring Our Heroes: A Decade of Impact

Farmer Veteran Coalition helps Veterans into Agricultural Careers

Hire Veterans? Be recognized with a 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award

Live Whole Health #67: Body Scan

Live Whole Health #68: Taking Time to Pause

Challenge America Veteran Arts Community, a new national arts initiative for Veterans

In Case You Missed It:  First Colors Ceremony, World War I Memorial

For Your Information

The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs does not endorse the organizations sponsoring these events, and we do not endorse the views they express or the products/services they offer.  The views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of MDVA.  The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only, and serves solely as a MDVA community outreach effort.

Community News

Are you a United States Military Veteran interested in becoming a U.S. Citizen?  On May 7th, you may meet with a an attorney for free and find out if you qualify for the Veterans Naturalization Assistance Program: Read More Here

Save the Date: for MCVET's 2021 Veterans Day Virtual Run and Walk, November 11, 2021

Upcoming Events at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals.  

Community Calendar:

April 22 through April 25, 2021

The Wall That Heals, Ocean Pines

April 27, 2021

Eastern Region Virtual Job Fair with Recruit Military

Virtual Workshop for Survivors of Suicide Loss

April 29, 2021

DHS Veteran Career and Education Symposium

Veterans Only Grab and Go Event

May 7, 2021

Veterans Naturalization Assistance Program

May 8, 2021

DAV Veterans Information and Benefits Clinic, Baltimore County

May 23, 2021

Introduction to Hero Dogs

May 29, 2021

Remembering Our Women Veterans, Memorial Day Wreath Laying, Cecil County, Sponsored by Women Veterans United Committee, Inc.

Message for New Subscribers:

Is this your first edition of the MDVA newsletter?  If so, welcome!  You are receiving this newsletter because you signed up to receive it from our website or you gave permission to an MDVA program, the MD Motor Vehicle Administration or MD Department of Labor to receive information on VA benefits and resources.  We at MDVA respect your privacy and DO NOT share your email address.  We hope you enjoy receiving our bi-weekly newsletter and find it both educational and engaging.  If you have questions about our Department, our Programs, or your VA benefits, please visit veterans.maryland.gov or call 410-260-3838.