James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Holds a Veteran Resource Fair/PACT Act Event
Tampa, FL - To support and empower Veterans and their families, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital held a Veteran Resource Fair/PACT Act Event on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at American Legion Post 5.
The event provided a platform for Veterans and their families to access vital resources, explore potential enrollments, be screened for toxic exposure and either file a claim or get claim status.
The Veteran Resource Fair brought together VA employees, Veterans and various Veteran Service Organizations under one roof. This gathering was a unique opportunity for Veterans and their families to interact with representatives from over 40 organizations and agencies, fostering connections and enabling access to a wide range of resources.
The objective of the resource fair was to ensure that Veterans and their families have access to the support they need. From healthcare and mental health services to educational opportunities and employment assistance, the fair showcased an array of resources aimed at improving the lives of Veterans.
Additionally, the event also focused on the PACT Act and its implications for Veterans. The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law is the largest expansion of VA benefits in generations, helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
In the end, 165 Veterans were served along with 32 family members. Enrollment/Eligibility Service had 14 interactions: three enrollments, four means tests, three new appointments and several questions answered. There were 20 Toxic Exposure Screenings performed and the Veterans Benefits Administration had 88 encounters: either claims status, PACT ACT information or claims information.