| WASHINGTON – Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) today applauded the decision by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) to open a counseling facility for combat veterans in Modesto next year. Cardoza, who has consistently advocated for improving access to VA services in the Valley, believes the Modesto Vets Center will be a valuable resource for combat veterans in the Valley.
“I am very pleased that the Department of Veterans Affairs will be opening a Vets Center facility in Modesto,” said Cardoza. “Our nation’s veterans, many readjusting to civilian life after returning from combat, deserve the best treatment and care available. I will continue to support fully funding the Department of Veterans Affairs, and work to improve access to and quality of care for Central Valley veterans.”
In January, Cardoza voted in favor of a funding bill in Congress that will significantly increase funding for veterans’ health care through the end of the fiscal year. All told, the bill will provide $32.3 billion for the VA, an increase of $3.6 billion over previous levels.
Vets Center Information
The new Modesto Vets Center will offer counseling on mental health and employment, plus services on family issues, education, bereavement and outreach, to combat veterans and their families. All veterans who served in combat are eligible for care at a VA vet center at no cost, as are their families for military-related issues.
The Vet Center program currently operates a system of 207 community based counseling centers nationally. The Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated providers, many of which are combat veterans themselves. Vet Center staff are available toll free during normal business hours at 1-866-496-8838 (Pacific). (www.va.gov)
More information on the Vets Center Program can be found here and here. |
