Town Hall, PACT Act Milestone, & Upcoming Events

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 01/05/2023 04:45 PM EST

Veteran Town Hall | Join Us

Help us serve you better.

Veterans, caregivers, and family members are invited to attend a Veteran Town Hall on Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet with John A. Gennaro, Executive Director - Erie VA Medical Center, and the executive leadership team as they share the latest Erie VAMC updates and strategic priorities for 2023.

In addition, the leadership team will be joined by Jennifer Vandermolen, Veterans Benefits Administration - Pittsburgh Regional Office Director.

Q&A session immediately following the updates.

Participants may join in-person, via Microsoft Teams link, or via phone.

Event details

PACT Act | Milestone

Screenings signal key step.

This week, VA marked a historic milestone by screening 1 million Veterans for military exposures as part of the PACT Act signed into law on August 10, 2022.

The screenings are a key component of the law — which empowers VA to deliver care and benefits to millions of toxic exposed Veterans and their survivors.

If you are a Veteran who has not been screened for toxic exposure or has never received care at VA, we encourage you to contact VA about enrolling in the VA health care system and about obtaining a toxic exposure screening.

Veterans and survivors may apply or learn more about the PACT Act by visiting VA.gov/PACT or calling 1-800-MYVA411.

Ask Your Driver - Pilot Program

Erie VAMC selected as one of two participants.

DAV Volunteer Drivers interact with hundreds of Veterans monthly - providing transportation to and from appointments at VA facilities.

Beginning January 9, Veterans are encouraged to 'Ask Your Driver' about Whole Health.

The collaboration between the drivers and Whole Health helps drivers become Champions of VA Whole Health, and encourages Veterans to learn more about available resources.

The pilot program will be evaluated within six months to determine the likelihood of expansion.

Learn more about Whole Health.

Sharing Warmth - Homeless Veteran Outreach

Winter has arrived.

Shelter from the elements is a basic human need - along with food, water, and a safe place to sleep.

The Erie VAMC Homeless Care Team and the Erie Vet Center will engage unhoused Veterans and distribute cold weather clothing and care packages on Saturday, January 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until noon at the Erie Vet Center.

Staff will also establish coordination of services to prevent ongoing homelessness and share PACT Act resources.

Additional information located here.

Roll Up Your Sleeve - Blood Drive

Give the gift of life. Donate blood.

There is a critical blood shortage that threatens the safety of patients nationwide, both inside and outside the VA health system.

Blood shortages can pose risks to hospitals in performing necessary patient care.

Erie VA and the Community Blood Bank are teaming up for a blood drive on Friday, January 20 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Join us, roll up your sleeve, and help fight the shortage.

Click here for details.

Keep updated & let us know how we're doing.


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