Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
Hampton Roads Area Home to Hundreds of Thousands of Veterans
CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — The Hampton Roads area is home to hundreds of thousands of veterans.
Veterans PACT Act and Benefits Fair in Chesapeake
On Saturday, the Department of Veteran Affairs Hampton VA Health Care System held a Veterans PACT Act and benefits fair at the Chesapeake Community Outpatient Clinic.
New Expanded Law Allows More Veterans to Receive VA Benefits
There was a long line outside as veterans waited to learn if they are entitled to VA benefits under a new expanded law.
Assessing Toxic Exposure for Veterans
The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, expands VA health care for veterans exposed to toxic substances. According to Dr. Shawn Alexander, Chief of Staff of Hampton VA Medical Center, the screening process takes about 5 to 10 minutes based on the veterans’ service history and exposure to toxic substances such as burn pits in Iraq, agent orange in Vietnam, sand desert, and radiation.
Evaluation and Enrollment of Veterans
Dr. Alexander estimated that approximately 70,000 veterans need to be evaluated for toxic exposure. Special events are organized to identify these individuals, enroll them into the VA health care system, and provide them with the necessary support.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources
During the fair, veterans also have the opportunity to learn about suicide prevention and mental health resources available to them.
Learn More about the PACT Act
To find out more about the PACT Act and its benefits for veterans, visit the PACT Act website.
