In December 2022, the Kansas City VA hosted its first PACT Act Town Hall during VA’s “PACT Act Week of Action.” It was one of 90+ events VA hosted during the week to discuss new eligibilities and benefits for Veterans after President Biden signed the PACT Act of 2022.
The first event was hosted at the new VA Outpatient Clinic in Lenexa, KS. Kansas City VA wanted to provide a one-stop-shop event on all things PACT Act for area Veterans.
PACT Act event drew over 200 area Veterans
Veterans heard a PACT Act overview presentation by the Chief of Staff. Enrolled Veterans completed toxic exposure screenings with one of the providers. Newly qualified Veterans met with eligibility and enrollment specialists to enroll in VA health care. Veterans Benefits Administration staff, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Missouri Veterans Commission provided assistance on disability claims.
Certificate of appreciation to American Legion Post 131 for hosting the event
Attendance validated the need for PACT Act awareness
The event drew over 200 Veterans, completed over 100 toxic exposure screenings and administered over two dozen flu and COVID vaccinations. The Veteran service officers are now working claims for over 50 Veterans.
According to Jean Gurga, medical center director, the goal is to provide information about these changes and assist Veterans with VA health care enrollment.
“We have providers and outreach teams currently scheduling, planning and executing outreach PACT Act events across two states covering more than six counties,” said Gurga. “Our PACT Act awareness events allow Veterans to receive toxic exposure screenings, health care enrollment and claims assistance.”
Gurga urged all Veterans to contact VA to learn more about their eligibility status under the PACT Act.
Contact VA to learn more about your eligibility under the PACT Act
After the first event, Kansas City VA and Truman VA collaborated on a joint PACT Act Town Hall for Veterans in rural Missouri. The event was hosted by American Legion Post 131 where over 100 Veterans turned out.
The robust attendance by area Veterans has validated the need for more PACT Act awareness events. Throughout the summer, Kansas City VA has several community PACT Act events planned in Kansas City and the surrounding counties.
For more information and to register for these events, please visit VA Kansas City Health Care.
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