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Improving Health Care Outcomes for Veterans
To enhance health care outcomes for Pennsylvania veterans, a bipartisan legislative package has been introduced in the Senate designed to better equip health care providers and practitioners with information regarding their veteran patients and special risks to their health. As noted in a study conducted by a legislative task force, many veterans receiving their care outside of the VA do not identify themselves as veterans to their health care providers, despite their increased risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), suicide and toxic exposures. The bills include: Senate Bill 1060 requires health care providers and practitioners to screen new patients for veteran status prior to consulting with or providing treatment but does not allow care to be denied if a patient refuses to give their veterans status. Senate Bill 1061 requires the county directors of veterans affairs training program to specifically include the topics of trauma-informed care, MST, PTSD, TBI and other forms of trauma-informed care. Senate Bill 1062 requires physicians to complete training on veteran-related illness as part of their initial licensure and continuing medical education. Advertising Veterans’ Resources in Workplaces
Beginning this month, all employers with more than 50 employees are required to physically display or post on their websites a notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, providing contact information for veterans’ resources and information regarding federal and state benefits and services for veterans. Free Help for Veterans to Review and Update Benefits
The DVMA is reminding veterans to ensure they are receiving the maximum benefits they can by applying and reviewing their veterans’ benefits for the new year. Veterans can access free assistance in doing this through the DMVA, county offices and some veteran service organizations. My office also offers veterans assistance hours from an American Legion representative to help local veterans with their benefits. At my Scotrun Office, appointments are every second Tuesday of each month. At my Northern Office, appointments are every third Thursday of each month. Please call my office at (570) 620-4326 to book an appointment! Expanding Community Care for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to expand veteran access to non-VA medical providers through the Community Care Program. The VA recently announced it is using the upcoming expiration of current contracts with health plans who serve as third-party administrators of the program as an opportunity to provide more choices and better care for veterans when they need to access care outside of the VA. Valley Forge Military College Assistance Program Scholarship
The Pennsylvania National Guard Military College Assistance Program provides full tuition coverage for all four undergraduate years, offering a tuition-free education to selected students. This is offered only through the Valley Forge Military College, a 2-year junior college founded in 1935 that offers associate degrees in 14 fields of study promoting character development and academic achievement guiding students to successfully transfer to bachelor’s programs. The deadline to apply is Feb. 28! Booking a Trip in 2026?
Are you looking for the family trip of your dreams? Authorized military ticket and travel offices offer a variety of travel and recreational services, including travel planning assistance, information about local attractions and discounted tickets to various attractions and events. Discounts are offered on tickets to Busch Gardens, Disney World, Universal Studios and more! For booking, contact or visit your local Leisure Travel Service or Ticket Office:
American Legion Post 927 Wisdom Wheel
During Veterans Day celebrations last year, it was such an honor to see American Legion Post 927 be presented with this feather of Native American history. The history of the wheel and feather in Native American culture is deeply intertwined with the sacred symbol of the Medicine Wheel, which is a sacred symbol used by many indigenous tribes to represent all knowledge of the universe and is a symbol of hope and healing. The eagle feather is considered sacred and is often used in rituals to symbolize a connection to the spiritual world. These feathers are awarded as marks of honor and respect to individuals who have shown exceptional bravery or leadership. In ceremonial contexts, the eagle feather is used to bless and purify spaces, people, and objects, serving as conduits for prayers and spiritual communication. In everyday life, feathers are integrated into clothing and adornments, reflecting the wearer’s social status, achievements, and personal spirituality. Visiting Inert Products LLC
I had the opportunity to learn about Inert Products LLC, a fascinating local business and manufacturer right here in Lackawanna County. Inert Products provides law enforcement, Homeland Security and the United States Department of Defense with extremely durable, highly realistic inert training aids used in training against terrorist threats. The company produces and supplies support materials used by security forces in training to recognize, respond to, and mitigate the threat of explosives and terrorism. Among the impressive machinery was the R-BOT, an affordable unmanned ground vehicle. This is used for remote inspection and manipulation for warfighters, law enforcement, humanitarian demining, and more. Thank you to Dean and the whole Inert team for welcoming me today and teaching me about all they do! |
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