Phoenix VA helps Veterans in the East Valley
Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System joined the Phoenix Veteran’s Benefits Administration to provide services to Veterans at the Drop Zone event at the American Leadership Academy & Applied Technologies campus in Mesa, Arizona, June 1.
The Drop Zone event, hosted by Congressman Andy Biggs, 5th district, is primarily focused on reaching Veterans on the east side of the valley, but Veteran Service Organizations and venders from across the valley came together to provide a one-stop shop for access to information and assistance for Veterans.
“One of the benefits of events like this is to give Veterans and Phoenix VA staff a chance to simply talk,” said Medical Center Director Bryan Matthews. “This gives the Veterans time to get answers, assistance, and advice from our staff in a relaxed face-to-face location.”
The Phoenix Veterans Affairs Health Care System provided services including PACT Act toxic exposure screenings, health care enrollment, Flu vaccines, community care information, telehealth opportunities, and material on healthcare programs offered like Whole Health, Nutritional Health, Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Support, My HealtheVet, and programs to help homeless Veterans.
“Drop Zone was an excellent opportunity to streamline much needed support,” said Army Veteran Rick Kreiberg, founder of Veteran’s Affinity. “The VA can enroll Veterans into the VA healthcare system, process VA ID card requests, and schedule appointments. There are also many VSOs that offer help in areas like mental health, service dogs, Veteran retreats, social clubs, and more. These events also give a place to grow the connection Veterans have with one another.”
Drop Zone was scheduled from 10 am to 2 pm, but there were Veterans meeting with and talking to representative for Veterans Health and Veterans Benefit even before the event officially began, and went on past 2 pm.