Spending Bill Adjusts ‘Bad Papers’ Policy That Often Bars Needy Veterans From Mental Health Services
“This is a big deal, and it’s way overdue,” said Dr. Jonathan Sherin, director of the L.A. County Department of Mental Health. “It’s our duty and responsibility to provide care and support for individuals who are traumatized while serving our country.”
KPCC:
3 Ways SoCal Will Benefit From Boosts In Pentagon And VA Budgets
After months of budget showdowns, President Trump signed a $1.3 trillion spending deal last week to keep the lights on through the end of the 2018 fiscal year, September 30th. ... HUD-VASH vouchers are part of a joint permanent supportive housing program provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. ... The bill provides $40 million for additional HUD-VASH vouchers. ... In Los Angeles, the homelessness crisis has worsened recently. (Denkmann, 3/28)
In other veteran health care news —
Fresno Bee:
Vietnam War Veterans Honored In Fresno On A Day Just For Them
The Veterans Administration hospital in Fresno held a commemoration Thursday morning to mark National Vietnam War Veterans Day. U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., introduced legislation in 2017 to honor Vietnam Veterans with a day on the anniversary of the 1973 withdrawal of military units from South Vietnam. President Donald Trump signed the Vietnam War Veterans Day Act on March 28, 2017, calling for U.S. flags to be flown on March 29 for those who served. (3/29)