|
||||
|
In this Update:
Join Us at the 2026 Veterans Recognition & Expo
I am proud to join Representative Brenda Pugh in hosting our 2026 Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Expo on Saturday, October 24th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 SJ Strauss Lane, Kingston. This event is an opportunity to honor our local veterans for their service and sacrifice. The ceremony will begin with a special pinning to honor those who have proudly worn the uniform, followed by an expo bringing together government agencies and community organizations offering valuable information on programs, services, and benefits available to veterans and their families. There will be refreshments and giveaways for attendees. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling my office at 570-740-2432. New Law Connects Families with VA Burial Benefits
Under a new law, Act 42 of 2026, families of a deceased service person being buried or cremated in Pennsylvania after Sept. 18 will receive contact information for their county veterans affairs office from funeral directors and cemeteries. County directors of veterans affairs will also be notified by funeral directors and cemeteries within 96 hours of receiving the remains of a deceased service person. This will help connect families with this local veterans’ resource which will be able to help them access benefits for which they might be eligible. State Veterans Commission Meeting The State Veterans Commission (SVC) will hold its next regular meeting on Friday, October 2nd at 10 a.m. at Fort Indiantown Gap. The SVC advises the adjutant general and the DMVA on all matters pertaining to the status, welfare, benefits, employment and support of veterans and veterans’ programs in Pennsylvania. The public is welcome to attend either by phone or virtually.
$1.2 Billion in Infrastructure Improvements Approved by VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) approved $1.2 billion in VA infrastructure improvements which will be used by VA medical facilities to enhance operational capability and healthcare delivery for significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades. This includes funds to 42 projects for Pennsylvania’s VA medical facilities including replacing a roof in Coatesville, replacing domestic hot water tanks in Erie, renovating air conditioning in Lebanon, installing exterior security measures in Philadelphia, repairing fire and smoke dampers in Pittsburgh, replacing a fire station roof in Butler and more. VA Announces Clinical Trials to Help Veterans with Major Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder
The VA announced a new clinical trial to evaluate psilocybin’s effectiveness and safety in treating major depression in veterans. Psilocybin is a classic hallucinogen and produced by more than 100 species of mushrooms worldwide. The trial, Psilocybin Intervention for Veterans Overcoming Treatment-Resistant Depression, will enroll veterans with a diagnosis of treatment-resistant major depressive disorder and be conducted in five VA locations throughout the U.S., including Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia. This follows the VA’s announcement of a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of GLP-1 treatment for alcohol use disorder. This clinical trial, Cessation or Reduction of Alcohol Consumption in Veterans, will be conducted in 18 locations throughout the U.S., including the Philadelphia VA Healthcare System. Shareapy Military
Shareapy offers free virtual peer support for active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their immediate family members. Once registered, you can:
There is no cost for eligible members. For more information and to sign up, click here. Tech Deals for Veterans
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbaker.com | Privacy Policy |
