Summer VetFest PACT Act Open House a Hit in Birmingham!
Birmingham's 2nd annual PACT Act Celebration on Thursday, July 19, was a resounding success! The event, cleverly dubbed the Summer VetFest PACT Act Open House, saw a flood of enthusiastic support from VA employees and Veterans alike.
Veterans from central and northern Alabama flocked to the event, eager to learn about the vital VA services and programs available to them. Summer VetFest was specifically designed to ensure that Veterans affected by toxins during their military service receive the full benefits they deserve, from healthcare to potential service-connected disability compensation. Earlier this year, the VA announced a game-changing policy: all Veterans exposed to toxins and other hazards while serving—whether in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone post-9/11—are now eligible to enroll directly in VA health care.
The Veterans Benefits Regional Office in Montgomery played a crucial role, helping Veterans connect to real-time claims statuses and assist with new claims. Meanwhile, the Birmingham VA Health Care System staff were busy conducting Toxic Exposure Screenings and processing new patient enrollment applications.
Over the four-hour event, the numbers spoke volumes: VBA staff conducted 143 face-to-face interviews regarding claims, Birmingham VA staff completed over 100 Toxic Exposure Screenings, accepted 34 health care enrollment applications, and identified 15 new patients eligible for VA health care.
It was a day of camaraderie, support, and significant strides toward better care for our Veterans.