Deanna Levinson and the Veteran Services team were honored by members of Marine Corps League USS Oregon Detachment #470 for providing exceptional service to veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities, and their families. 

The Veterans Administration has expanded health care eligibility to millions of veterans

Beginning March 5, the Veterans Administration is expanding health care eligibility to all veterans who have served at home or abroad and were exposed to toxins and other hazards during military service. This expansion of care covers veterans of all eras of service. Additionally, veterans who never deployed but were exposed to toxins or hazards while training or on active duty in the United States will also be eligible to enroll. 

To apply for VA health care, visit VA’s health care enrollment website, call 1-800-698-2411, or visit your nearest VA medical center or clinic. Washington County veterans can get assistance applying for benefits by calling DAVS at 503-846-3060 or by filling out an inquiry form on our website. 

Read the full VA press release.

Free events and classes for veterans

"The Return" discussion group 

Veterans and community members are invited to join The Portland Vet Center's reading and discussion class for conversations about the book The Return: A Field Manual For Life After Combat. 

Fridays, March 8 through April 12 from 9-11 a.m. 

5420 NE Elam Young Pkwy, Suite 300  

Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Ryan.McNabb@VA.gov or 503-688-5361 or Paul_Riggs@Washingtoncountyor.gov or 503-846-3057 for more information. 

Soldier Songs and Voices 

Learn to play guitar alongside other veterans. Classes will be held Thursdays, March 21 through May 9, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro.  

Attendance is limited to 12 veterans, and registration is required. Email Wendy Socha or call 503-846-3078 for information. Sponsored by Washington County Veteran Services, Soldier Songs and Voices-Portland Metro, and The Walters Cultural Arts Center.

The Clothesline Project 

Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Tigard American Legion 

Veterans of any gender identity who have experienced sexual violence or assault are invited to express their emotions by decorating a shirt. The purpose of the Clothesline Project is to increase awareness of the impact of interpersonal violence, celebrate strength and resiliency, and provide a means to break through the silence that often surrounds interpersonal violence. 

Anyone interested in participating in the Clothesline Project should call Lonnamae Ladke at 503-220-3486 or The Portland VA Military Sexual Trauma Coordinators Aysha Crain and Cody Graham at 503-220-3476. 

Veterans learn to paint for FREE! 

Veterans can learn to paint with a professional artist this spring. Classes will be held Thursdays from April 4 through May 9, 1-2:30 p.m. in downtown Hillsboro. Attendance is limited to 12 veterans and registration is required. Email Wendy Socha or call 503-846-3078 for information. 

Sponsored by Washington County Veteran Services, Oregon Society of Artists, and The Walters Cultural Arts Center. 

K9 Kavalry Series 

Veterans with dogs are invited to a free dog training with K9 Kavalry. Free pet food, supplies, photo booth and more. Bring your friends and family, too. 

April 27 and May 4, 10 a.m. at Tualatin Community Park. Email Paul Riggs or call 503-846-3057 for more information. 

DAVS seeks steering committee members to shape future services

DAVS and our Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council are forming a steering committee. The committee’s purpose is to guide the development of a community needs assessment and strategic plan. This committee will build on the work of our former Service Equity Steering Committee and will advance equitable outcomes in programs and service delivery and will help to ensure that the needs and priorities of communities most impacted by racial and other inequities are centered in DAVS operations. The committee will meet virtually, once per month for two hours, beginning in March. For more information, view the 2025-2029 APNA Steering Committee Roadmap. If this interests you, please complete this interest form and we’ll be in touch! If you have more questions, please send us an email or call 503-846-3080.

Older American Act gets modernized by ACL

On February, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) released the final rule to update regulations for its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs. This is the first major update since 1988. "The overwhelming majority of Americans want to live in their own homes as they age, and almost 95% of them do. For many, this is possible because of the programs and services provided through the Older Americans Act," said Alison Barkoff, who leads the Administration for Community Living. These programs make possible services such as trips to medical appointments, nutritious meals, in-home services, and support to family caregivers. We will have until fall 2025 to implement the rule across our programs. 

Read the Final Rule. 

Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative activities

Health Online: Finding information you can trust  

Tuesday, March 19, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

Juanita Pohl Center

8513 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin

There is nothing wrong with going online to search for information. Technology is a big part of today’s world and is only going to be used more and more. What is important is how we use the information we find online to maintain our health and help us make health care decisions. Learn how to use technology to find reliable and credible information.

Family Caregiver program update

Caregiver Book Club 

Mondays, March 11-April 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.  

Juanita Pohl Center

8513 SW Tualatin Rd., Tualatin

We know caregiving can be isolating and overwhelming. Join us to connect with other caregivers as we explore author Loretta Woodward Veney’s experience caring for her mom, her lessons learned, and how she found joy in the small moments in the book Being My Mom’s Mom. Books will be provided to participants at a cost of $12.95. If this is a hardship, we will waive the fee. Space is limited. To register, email Shannon or call 503-846-3090. 

Meet in the Moment Memory Café 

Join us in this engaging and lighthearted activity designed for older adults and their family care partners! Together we will play with clay and create a fun piece of art. Memory Cafes are designed as a safe and comfortable space for family and friend caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss. This event provides an opportunity to engage, socialize and have a good time with others who understand! Space is limited. To register, email Shannon or call 503-846-3090. 

March 12, 10-11:30 a.m. 

Hillsboro Senior Center 

750 SE 8th Avenue, Hillsboro 

April 15, 1:30-3 p.m. 

Forest Grove Library 

2114 Pacific Avenue, Forest Grove 

May 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 

Juanita Pohl Center 

8513 SW Tualatin Road, Tualatin 

Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council (AVSAC)

Next AVSAC meeting

Thursday, March 21, 9-11 a.m. 

In person at 5240 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 300 in Hillsboro 

Or join via Zoom 

Meeting ID: 891 5444 3490



Passcode: 388523 

Call in (audio only): +12532050468,89154443490# 

We welcome guests and invite public comment on the issues facing older adults and veterans in our community.