Newport Healthcare’s Post

On Wednesday, VA leaders and #veterans advocates, including DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Assistant National Legislative Director Naomi Mathis, testified in front of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on #healthcare equity for #womenveterans. Some highlights: 👩 VA leaders discussed the ongoing efforts to improve the #militarysexualassault (MST) claims process. While progress has been made, there remains much room for improvement. 👩 VA discussed progress in providing mammography services and the challenges of doing so in areas where there isn't a sufficient volume of women veterans. 👩 VA shared updates on progress related to the historic Deborah Sampson Act of 2021 and what still needs to be done. 👩 Naomi reviewed DAV's latest report on mental health and suicide among women veterans and bravely shared part of her own story. Read the full report at womenveterans.org. (her testimony starts around 1:40) 👩 The way Alissa Engel discussed MST and what's at stake was particularly powerful and effective. (her testimony starts around 1:24) 👩 The committee and witnesses discussed the SAVES Act which would expand evidentiary standards for MST claims. https://lnkd.in/gk5mH_xp 👩 The Office of Inspector General shared updates on its review and findings of gender-specific care at VA. And much more! Watch the full hearing and read submitted testimonies here: https://lnkd.in/gtT7Z8Su

Understanding the impact of the PACT Act on your benefits as a Veteran 💪 Starting March 5, 2024, the VA will expand health care to millions of veterans without first applying for VA benefits. This means that veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. At this link you can dive into the details of this groundbreaking law that's expanding VA healthcare and benefits for those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and more. #PACTAct #VeteransHealthcare #VAbenefits" Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gekdZXg5

While the focus of this discussion is on private & public partnerships, Dr. David Shulkin shares insights on how the VA leveraged Population Health and Interoperability to address issues of Behavioral Health and Preventative care for US Veterans. Redpoint Ventures

🔈 How can we centre lived experience voices in military Veteran health research? At Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA)’s Public Health 2024 conference, the JMVFH team is currently attending a session on incorporating lived expertise as a knowledge translation strategy within health equity work. Within the field of military Veteran health research, this may take the form of centring the voices of those with lived experience. 👇 This JMVFH introduction by Lt.-Gen. (retd) Roméo Dallaire highlights the importance of prioritizing lived expertise: “It has been over 20 years since I went public with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It had been a time of shame and taboo around such issues, and I knew that a senior serving officer coming forward could make a big difference both in policy and in the minds of individual soldiers suffering in silence. ❤️🩹 “Since that time, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), as well as society in general, has embraced those injured with PTSD and many forms of mental injury as all part of overall health. The taboos are definitely lifting, but – especially in the military – they still exist.” 📢 Read the full article on the JMVFH website for FREE: https://bit.ly/3PNRzaG 📚 “Loving a broken soul”: Laryssa Lamrock’s article provides a military spouse’s perspective on the implications of Veterans’ moral injuries for families: https://bit.ly/3U2ND8s #research #scientificresearch #military #veteran #militaryfamilies #militaryfamily #familyhealth #healthcare #mentalhealth #militarylife #militarymedicine CIMVHR - Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research

When DAV National Commander Nancy Espinosa first reached out to the VA for health care, she felt that her local center at the time was ill-equipped to address women’s health care. Since then, The VA has worked hard to establish a comprehensive health and gender-specific care model for women. While a lot of progress has been made, there are still gaps to fill. In February 2024, DAV published “Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness.” This report is a comprehensive assessment of the unique factors contributing to the staggering rates of suicide among women veterans and how the system charged with their mental health care can and must do better. Read Nancy’s full story and learn more about the report and DAV’s findings at womenveterans.org.

Understanding the impact of the PACT Act on your benefits as a Veteran 💪 Started March 5, 2024, the VA expanded health care to millions of veterans without first applying for VA benefits. This means that veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. At this link you can dive into the details of this groundbreaking law that's expanding VA healthcare and benefits for those exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and more. https://lnkd.in/gE5JjJ86 #PACTAct #VeteransHealthcare #VAbenefits

At the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, we know that people must be able to choose and access the resources they need to recover and thrive. This requires systemic change that we can only achieve by working together to advocate for policies that ensure access to resources for a dignified, self-directed life! This means putting boots on the ground to secure funding for critical services like supportive housing and community-based behavioral health services while advocating for criminal justice reform and investment in the mental health care field and its workers. By utilizing our large network of professionals, organizations, and programs, we push for transformative legislative change that fosters recovery and defends human rights across the country. Learn more about our policy work here: https://lnkd.in/emtXswn5

At the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, we know that people must be able to choose and access the resources they need to recover and thrive. This requires systemic change that we can only achieve by working together to advocate for policies that ensure access to resources for a dignified, self-directed life! This means putting boots on the ground to secure funding for critical services like supportive housing and community-based behavioral health services while advocating for criminal justice reform and investment in the mental health care field and its workers. By utilizing our large network of professionals, organizations, and programs, we push for transformative legislative change that fosters recovery and defends human rights across the country. Learn more about our policy work here: https://lnkd.in/emtXswn5

Unlocking Benefits for Veterans: A Comprehensive Overview of Resources and Support. Discover a wide range of resources available to veterans, from regional offices to online advocacy groups. Learn about NOLO, the Veterans Benefits Network, and more. Get insights into the HEALTH system, AID and attendance in separate calls. Leave your suggestions for dedicated topics. Serve veterans with a holistic approach. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/eba83TQV #VeteransBenefits #VANavigators #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #VeteransAdvocates

🎉 Big News for Veterans! 🎉 Beginning March 5, VA is expanding health care eligibility for three new groups of Veterans years ahead of schedule thanks to the PACT Act. Here's the scoop: 1. If you were exposed to toxins or hazards during your military service, you're eligible! 2. Veterans stationed in certain areas of Southwest Asia or Africa, you're in! 3. Deployed Veterans after 9/11, you're eligible too! What does this mean for you? ✅ If you served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, or Afghanistan, you can enroll. ✅ Deployed to any combat zone after 9/11? You're eligible. ✅ Supported the Global War on Terror? You can enroll too. ✅ Even if you never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or serving on active duty, you're eligible! 📢 Bottom line: All Veterans exposed to toxins and hazards, at home or abroad, can enroll in VA care starting March 5. This is the largest expansion of care in generations! VA wants you to apply ASAP. It's quick and easy - no need to be sick or file a claim. Just prove your service in one of those locations or operations, and you're in. VA health care is top-notch and affordable. Plus, Veterans who use VA services have better health outcomes. Even if you don’t think you need care now, you might in the future. Enroll today and secure access for life! Don't miss out on this opportunity for better, more affordable health care. Head to VA.gov/PACT and get started today! 🇺🇸 #VeteransHealthcare #PACTAct #VAcare