MT. PLEASANT — The Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting a “Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics,” or PACT act, event Friday, Aug. 23, at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant.
It’s all an effort to make veterans more aware of the benefits they can get if they were exposed to toxins or other hazards in an overseas combat zone, or while training or on active duty here at home.
The PACT act recently expanded and includes veterans from the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the global war on terror or any other combat zone after 9-11. The event this week is highlighted by learning about claims and benefits, the chance to file a claim and screenings for toxic exposure.
“So, for example, if you’re a veteran and you believe you may have had an exposure to a toxic chemical that may be contributing to a health concern, we have the ability to work you through a screening process, and we’ll be doing these screenings for any veterans that come in, and basically we’ll discuss your military service, which you may or may not have been exposed to, and then provide guidance on how to seek benefits accordingly,” said Roy Samsel, Saginaw VA assistant medical center director.
The PACT act event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you would like more information, call 989-497-2500, ext. 13120 or 13121.