Overton Brooks VAMC Shreveport, Louisiana

The Minority Veterans Program helps raise awareness of the special needs of the following five groups:

• African Americans
• Asian Americans
• Hispanic Americans
• Native Americans (to include Alaskan Natives, American Indians and Native Hawaiians)
• Pacific/Caribbean Islanders

The primary goal of this outreach initiative is to increase local awareness of minority Veteran related issues and develop strategies for increasing their participation in existing VA programs for eligible Veterans.

Mission

The mission of the Center for Minority Veterans within the Department of Veteran Affairs central office in Washington, DC, is to ensure that the VA addresses the unique circumstances and special needs of all Veterans without regard to racial, ethnic, religious or gender distinctions.

Special Needs

Special needs have been identified which are unique to minority Veterans. Some of the programs which address these needs are:

• Homeless Veterans Program
• Compensated Work Therapy
• Transitional Residence
• Psychosocial Treatment
• HUD-VA Supported Housing
• Women's Wellness
• Patient Education Learning Center
• Substance Abuse (Inpatient and Outpatient)
• Agent Orange, POW, Persian Gulf

MVP Goal and Responsibilities

The primary goal of this outreach initiative is to increase local awareness of minority Veteran related issues and develop strategies for increasing their participation in existing VA benefits programs for eligible Veterans. MVPC's are located at Regional Offices, Health Care Facilities and National Cemeteries and are responsible for:

• Promoting the use of VA benefits, programs and services by minority Veterans.
• Supporting and initiating activities that educate and sensitize internal staff to the unique needs of minority Veterans.
• Targeting outreach efforts to minority Veterans through community networks.
• Advocating on behalf of minority Veterans by identifying gaps in service and make recommendations to improve service delivery within their facilities.