The Annual VA Caregiver Summit is Monday, June 23, from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona. The event will also be available virtually to accommodate participants across the region. The aim of the summit is to ensure caregivers have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to continue providing exceptional care. For more information, please contact the Orlando VA Caregiver Support Team at michelle.harper@va.gov; catherine.read2@va.gov or crystal.marrero-ramirez@va.gov.
Outstanding Osceola Veteran Recognized for Community Leadership
The Osceola County Veterans Council’s own Helen Dottie Adams was recognized in Congress as a Distinguished Leader in Central Florida for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The recognition came about through U.S. Representative Darren Soto and was read into the Congressional Record for posterity. I think anyone who knows of Dottie’s continuous selfless service to Osceola’s veterans will agree this honor is very well deserved. Salute!
22 a Day
I recently had a chance to go in depth on the subject of veteran suicide in Central Florida. While one is always too many, I can report that in 2023, Osceola County had two veteran suicides, down from 7 in 2022 and a total of 93 since 2010. In comparison with other Florida counties, our rate is not the lowest, but better than most and I am very happy to report that the Kissimmee Police Department recently participated in some veteran suicide prevention training hosted by the Orange County Health Department. Whatever our mental health, first responders, and veterans community are doing to prevent veteran suicide, please keep it up!
Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)
The VBBP can help unbanked veterans access safer, more reliable financial services to access direct deposit of VA benefits. The program offers free or low-cost banking and financial services through partnering banks and credit unions to help veterans build long-term financial stability and avoid fraud. For more information see https://bit.ly/4mZ3UIb.
VA Perinatal Reproductive Education Planning and Resources (PREPARe)
PREPARe is an interdisciplinary program designed to support women Veterans who are pregnant, postpartum, trying to conceive, or planning for their future. It offers coordinated access to VA services, specialized care, and opportunities for connection. For more info see https://bit.ly/3HEWUzZ
The Liven App to Help with Transition
Let’s face it, some of us veterans forgot somewhere during our military “journey” just how to “civilian” again, and for many of us, outright asking for help is just not in our DNA any longer. Although not specifically for veterans, the free Liven app can help reframe our inner dialogue, boost self-image, and view daily challenges with fresh eyes. For more info see https://bit.ly/4jObh2j
Please pass on your veteran-related information and events to osceolavets@gmail.com.
