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Department of Veterans Affairs Launches Improved Access to Care Site
On July 19th, the VA updated their accesstocare.va.gov website. You can now see veteran experience information for care delivered through VA facilities and have a clearer view of average wait times, including more detailed information on available healthcare services and specialties.
The new Access to Care website also ensures that as VA sites transition to a new electronic health record management system, veterans will have information on timeliness at facilities through the new website.
New 988, then press 1 Veterans Crisis Line
Starting July 16th, the Veterans Crisis Line can now be reached by calling 988, then pressing 1. The Veterans Crisis Line serves veterans, servicemembers, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
The new 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched to provide free, 24/7 support nationwide for anyone in the U.S. in need. If you are experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis, you can call or text 988 to reach a trained counselor. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.
Congressman Kim was proud to vote for the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act to designate 988 as the universal number for the hotline, which was signed into law in 2020.
Make an Appointment for Upcoming Veteran Telephonic Claims Clinics
On August 10th and 17th, the Office of Congressman Kim will host Telephonic Claims Clinics with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans, servicemembers, and dependents eligible to receive VA benefits can make an appointment to get information about VA benefits, submit a claim for compensation benefits, and get information on the status of a claim.
To schedule an appointment, contact Congressman Kim’s office at [email protected].
Congressman Kim Votes to Pass the National Defense Authorization Act through the House
On Thursday, July 14th, Congressman Kim voted to pass the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2023 through the House of Representatives. Congressman Kim worked to ensure America is investing in the people who keep us safe while also securing historic investments in technology and innovation that will help keep jobs in New Jersey. This bill will prepare our country for the unprecedented challenges ahead and honor the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make through a much needed pay raise.
Some of Congressman Kim’s priorities that were included in the bill are:
- Congressman Kim’s Dental Care for Our Troops Act, which would ensure all National Guard and reservists have access to no-fee dental care like active-duty servicemembers do, even when they are not on active status.
- Congressman Kim’s Put Our Neighbors to Work Act to put local workers first for construction jobs on military bases.
- An increase in the maximum monthly subsidy through DoD’s Child Care Fee Assistance Program, which helps military families afford civilian childcare if they are placed on a waitlist for on-base care. Access to childcare for military families has been one of the highest priorities identified by Joint Base McQuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
Read more about all the provisions Congressman Kim championed here. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it needs to pass before the end of the year.
Congressman Kim Hosts Roundtable to Discuss Mental Health and Suicide Prevention with Veterans and Servicemembers
On Wednesday, July 6th, Congressman Kim hosted a roundtable to discuss mental health and suicide prevention with veterans and servicemembers.
On prioritizing increased access to mental health resources for our veterans:
“It’s an honor to work on behalf of New Jersey’s veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country and remind us what it means to serve. Today I heard more about the barriers veterans face every single day to accessing mental health services, alongside the stigma, fear, and difficulty dealing with bureaucrats in Washington. I’m proud to have nearly doubled the funding for veteran suicide prevention efforts and delivered tangible results for New Jersey’s Third District. I also know much more work remains and I’ll never stop fighting for New Jersey veterans and military families,” said Congressman Kim.
Do you have a copy of your DD-214?
If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), you should request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administration since it can take up to 6-12 months to receive. DD-214s are necessary to apply for many of the benefits you are eligible for as a veteran. If you don’t have your DD-214, medical treatment can be delayed for a long time. If you have questions about this, you can contact our office here.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Update
JBMDL’s tour program is up and running! Veteran Service Organizations and ROTC units that are interested in a base tour can contact [email protected] for more information.
Upcoming Local Events
On August 1st from 10AM - 3PM, the Department of Veteran Affairs is hosting a VA Information and Resource Fair in collaboration with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Join to get information about VA benefits, claims submission, and pending claims status. Find more information here.
On August 3rd, Paul Dillard, National Commander of the American Legion, will be attending a meet and greet at American Legion Post 129 in Toms River from 6pm-8pm. Details can be found here.
The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting Veterans Outreach Campaigns on August 5th and 25th from 12 PM - 4 PM at the Casino Pier - Seaside Heights Boardwalk. They will have a VSO present to help and assist any veteran.
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