Returning Veterans and their Families Resource Center

At least 1.8 million troops have been deployed to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Approximately 70,000 veterans from these conflicts reside in New York State; however, that number is growing as more troops return from these wars. In addition, tens of thousands of family members in New York State are impacted by health and mental health conditions of veterans returning from these wars. In recognition of these issues NYSHealth established the Returning Veterans and Their Families Initiative in April 2008. The corresponding NYSHealth Resource Center on Returning Veterans and Their Families provides information on publications, data, organizations, and initiatives that are key to addressing reintegration issues faced by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families throughout New York State.

Click on the topics below for more information.

Features

VA Health Care Funding Reform Major Victory for Veterans

On October 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which guarantees funding for veterans health one year in advance of the standard process. This milestone legislation will improve the quality and the delivery of the medical care that veterans and their families receive. According to NYSHealth grantee Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), this legislation will also remove partisanship and politics from the veterans funding process forever, and help to end inadequate planning and rationed care in the VA health care system.

Please click here to read IAVA’s blog post, “Obama Signs Historic Legislation for Veterans Health Care, IAVA attends White House Signing,” and click here to read the Reuters article, “VA Health Care Funding Reform Major Victory for Veterans.”

NYSHealth Grantee Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court Wins National Recognition from Congress

The Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court (BVTC) is a program developed to keep veterans with minor, non-violent offenses out of jail, and requires a formal process evaluation to successfully replicate the program throughout New York State.

Please click here to view a The Buffalo News story from September 17, 2009, "Buffalo's 'Veteran's Court' wins Praise in Congress" to learn more about about this program.

NYSHealth Announces Launch of Online Resource Center on Returning Veterans and Their Families

Please click here to read the press release.

In the News

"War Veterans, PTSD and the Media" Huffington Post, January 18, 2009

"APNewsBreak: Increase in Suicide Rates of Vets" abcnews.go.com, January 11, 2009

"Military Rules Said to Hinder Therapy" The New York Times, December 7, 2009