Chautauqua County Veterans! -- 2024 VA WNY Mental Health Summit Committee -- August is National Immunization Awareness Month -- Internet Access -- Upcoming Dwyer Events

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Chautauqua County Veterans!

You're invited to get 1-on-1 assistance to sign up and learn more about the VA health care and benefits you've earned.

• Find out what resources you are eligible for.
• Get answers about your toxic exposure options.
• Need help submitting a VA disability claim?
• Ready to start using VA health care?
• Want a free meal and to hang out with other Veterans?
• Want to check the status of your disability claim or appeal?
• Want to connect with resources available in your community?
• Want to learn more about VA health care options for women?

This is an exclusive event for Veterans and their families in the Chautauqua County area. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity. Just show up on Wednesday, August 7th from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Event Location:

Celoron American Legion Post 777

26 Jackson Ave.

Jamestown, NY 14701

2024 VA WNY Mental Health Summit Committee

On behalf of the 2024 VA WNY Mental Health Summit Committee, we invite you to join us for our 2024 VA WNY Mental Health Summit for Veterans, Veterans’ supporters, community health care providers and VA staff. This year’s summit on August 20, 2024, will focus on Suicide Prevention and Providing Resources to Veterans. The event will be hybrid, occurring concurrently at the Buffalo VA Medical Center (3495 Bailey Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14215) in Freedom Hall (3rd Floor, Conference Room 301) and virtually on Microsoft Teams from 8:00AM-3:30PM. 

The Mental Health Summit aims to enhance the mental health and well-being of Veterans and their family members through increased collaboration among members of VA’s staff and the community. Our goal is to engage in a robust dialogue on ways that we as a community can address the mental health needs of local Veterans and their families. In addition to these new conversations, we will expand on previous discussions to build on established partnerships and collaboration. Please feel free to share this invitation with Veterans, Veterans’ supporters and community contacts. 

You can RSVP by emailing Christopher.Ramnauth@va.gov no later than COB on August 5th. Please indicate in your email if you plan on attending in-person or virtual. You will then receive a confirmation email, and the Outlook calendar invite on or before the RSVP deadline date. 

We hope you will join us on August 20th! 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month 

As we welcome August, it’s the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccinations for individuals of all ages. National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is dedicated to promoting the lifesaving benefits of immunizations, from infancy to adulthood. This month-long observance is a crucial reminder that vaccines are a vital tool in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and maintaining public health. For our veterans, who have selflessly served our country, getting vaccinated is a crucial step in protecting their health, especially during the fall and winter months. 

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive health care, and the flu and pneumonia vaccines are no exception. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can lead to severe health complications, particularly in veterans who may have underlying health conditions. Pneumonia, an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, can be especially dangerous for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Both diseases can be effectively controlled through vaccination, significantly reducing the risk of severe outcomes and hospitalizations. 

As we approach the fall and winter seasons, the risk of contracting the flu and pneumonia increases. NIAM encourages veterans to review their vaccination status and consult with their healthcare providers to ensure they are current with all necessary immunizations, particularly the flu and pneumonia vaccines. These vaccines are essential in providing a line of defense against these respiratory illnesses, helping to keep veterans healthy and out of the hospital during the colder months. 

In the spirit of National Immunization Awareness Month, we urge all veterans to take proactive steps toward safeguarding their health and the health of their fellow service members. Vaccines, including those for the flu and pneumonia, are powerful tools in preventing disease outbreaks and promoting long-term health. Let's all commit to staying informed, getting vaccinated, and encouraging others to do the same. By doing so, we can ensure a healthier future for our veteran community, especially as we prepare for the upcoming flu season.

VA and FCC Make it Easier for Veterans to Get Internet Access

If you receive a qualifying VA pension, VA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are making it easier for you to get connected to the internet.

Qualifying VA pension recipients will now be able to more easily confirm their eligibility to participate in two FCC benefit programs (Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program), often without needing to submit paperwork to the FCC.

This makes it even easier for qualifying Veterans to get discounts on internet and phone services. Certain service providers may also offer a subsidized device, like a laptop or tablet, to qualifying Affordable Connectivity Program participants.

Discounts to help Veterans get online:

These FCC programs help people get online. The Lifeline program gives eligible households a discount for internet and phone services. The Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households with a monthly discount toward internet service.

They offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating provider if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price of the device.

Veterans can sign up for the programs through the FCC National Verifier or by contacting a participating internet service company. Veterans who want assistance signing up for the FCC’s programs can get help from their VA care team through a Digital Divide consult.

Other Veterans can also receive benefits:

Along with qualifying VA pension recipients, other Veterans are also eligible for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can qualify based on your household income or participation in other federal programs, though you may need to submit additional paperwork as part of the application process.

To see if you qualify, visit the Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program websites. VA can also help you to determine your eligibility through your VA care team and a Digital Divide Consult.

The Digital Divide Consult helps connect Veterans with Lifeline, the Affordable Connectivity Program, and other programs to help with internet access.

VA has already helped more than 100,000 Veterans across the country through the Digital Divide Consult process.

If you want assistance getting internet access so you can connect with loved ones, online resources, or your VA services, VA wants to help you.

Learn more about how VA is working to bridge the digital divide.

Upcoming Dwyer Events

VET’S GOLF OUTING: Tuesday, August 6th starting at 10:00 am. Breezewood Links, 4335 Dean School Road, Falconer. Vets golf free. Includes a cart and hotdog lunch. Guests can play for $17.  

VETERAN’S WELLNESS DAY: August 7th, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Celoron Legion: Free lunch for the first 100 guests. Come and meet local providers and see what their programs have to offer. Judy will be doing haircuts again, reps from the VA, Veteran’s Services, Veteran’s 4 Christ, the Alliance for suicide prevention, Chautauqua County Health Department, and many more will be there to share lots of valuable information. Reservations not required

MOTORCYCLE RUN: August 17th, 2024. Starting at Sheridan VFW. Registration begins at 10 am. Proceeds will benefit the Dwyer program. Everyone is welcome. There will be food and a band when you return from the run. $20 for drivers, $5 for riders. Looking for vendors to set up tables. You are asked to donate a basket for a raffle instead of a cash payment for your vendor table.

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