In a whole-of-government effort, Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veterans Affairs have worked very closely together throughout the coronavirus pandemic to bring critical medical supplies to our nation’s heroes. While the supply and demand for PPE during this crisis is greater than ever before, the federal government has worked with governmental and private sector partners to secure what the VA needs.
In support of our nation’s veterans, FEMA has coordinated shipments of more than 4.3 million various types of respirator masks, 1 million facial/surgical masks, 1.5 million gloves, and 14,000 face shields to VA facilities across the country. An additional 1 million facial/surgical masks are shipping this week.
Additionally, working in close partnership with FEMA, the VA has made 1,500 acute and intensive care hospital beds across the nation available to non-veteran patients, if necessary. VA is helping 38 states, providing support to state Veterans’ homes and private nursing homes.
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Reporters and media outlets with questions or comments should contact the Office of Media Relations at vapublicaffairs@va.gov
Veterans with questions about their health care and benefits (including GI Bill). Questions, updates and documents can be submitted online.
Veterans can also use our chatbot to get information about VA benefits and services. The chatbot won’t connect you with a person, but it can show you where to go on VA.gov to find answers to some common questions.
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