Adaptive Housing Bill Becomes Law
The president recently signed into law VFW-supported H.R. 3504, the Ryan Kules and Paul Benne specially Adoptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019. The new law will provide enhancements to the VA’s Specially Adapted Housing program by increasing the number of grants awarded, raising the dollar amount of the individual grants and expanding the number of times qualified veterans can use a housing grant. This change will help certain severely disabled veterans purchase adaptive homes or upgrade existing homes to meet their specific needs for daily living activities. The VFW applauds the passage of this important bill which will greatly benefit veterans.
Respite Relief For Caregivers
The VA and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation teamed with CareLinx to provide more than 40,000 hours of non-medical home care respite relief for more than 1,600 family caregivers of veterans in California, Florida and Texas. Caregivers can apply for a qualified health care professional for 24 hours of free respite relief. CareLinx services include mobility, meals, housekeeping, exercise, bathing, toileting, medication reminders, companionship and transportation. This partnership should help build future relationships between public and private stakeholders to support military and veteran families.
VA Prepares To Welcome Back Volunteers
The VA announced this week plans to gradually and safely reintroduced volunteers to its health care facilities. Most volunteer activities have been paused to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some volunteer roles may be modified or performed virtually. Individual VA facilities will tailor the reintegration of volunteers based on the facilities’ operational needs and the volunteers’ abilities.
Arlington National Cemetery Releases New Education Program
Arlington National Cemetery announced the release of its new education program, which has resources for elementary, middle and high school students, as well as for life-long learners. This program aims to showcase the diverse history of the United States by honoring the sacrifices and lives of those buried at Arlington, to support remembrance of past military conflicts and to encourage personal connections to America’s diverse history. The program currently has three modules—the African American Experience, the Spanish American War and Exploring Arlington, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier coming soon. This program also includes curated readings and walking tours with option of virtually exploring the cemetery.
Complete The Airborne Hazards And Open Pit Registry
All veterans who served in eligible locations should include their information in the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pits Registry. Participation in the registry is very important as it will allow the VA to track burn pit exposure and draw inferences regarding associated adverse health effects. Exposure to burn pits may be associate with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Recently, the VA stated that veterans with underlying respiratory conditions may be at greater risk for developing complications related to COVID-19. Service members and veterans who have already signed up for the registry should make sure that their contact information, phone number, address and email are up to date.
DOD Offers Expanded Child Care Services
The DOD is providing an additional way for military parents to find child care solutions for hourly care. Military One Sours will expand its offerings through a national online service to find, hire, and pay for care and get a free monthly subscription service.
