Wounded Warriors Project : Call to Congress to Extend VA's TBI Assisted Living Pilot Program
July 22, 2014
Hosted by Gary Ray
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Episode Description
WASHINGTON-The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun ousting dozens of brain-damaged veterans from special therapeutic group homes, setting off a scramble for housing and care.
Hannah Fairman Health Policy Analyst on WWP's Policy Team
Congressional Inaction Threatens Program for Brain-Damaged Vets
VA Begins Ousting Vets from Special Therapeutic Group Homes July 11, 2014 10:26 a.m. ET
WASHINGTON-The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun ousting dozens of brain-damaged veterans from special therapeutic group homes, setting off a scramble for housing and care.
In recent weeks, VA case workers have warned 53 veterans they'll have to leave the privately run homes by Sept. 15, according to the agency. Ten have already been discharged from the care facilities and sent to nursing homes, state veterans homes or to live with family members.
Dozens of other veterans are now in a state of limbo about whether they'll be able to remain in the rehab facilities for more than a few months.
The VA says it has no choice but to discharge the residents. Despite pressure from veterans, their families and service organizations, Congress hasn't extended the legal authority for the rehabilitation program, which expires Oct. 6.
"The failure to extend this successful pilot [program] would close a door to recently injured individuals who need these services and risk having to transfer wounded veterans to more costly and inappropriate environments of care," the Wounded Warrior Project, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 11 other veterans groups wrote to lawmakers in a joint letter this month.
Lawmakers from both parties say they support renewing the program. The five-year pilot was designed to test whether veterans with traumatic brain injuries-the kinds of wound that became a signature of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts-improve faster with intensive therapy in a community-based home than at a hospital or rest home.
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It has been said that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history. Disabled American Veterans struggle every day to overcome life-changing sacrifices. Their stories provides a vital part of history that has contributed to our American tradition.
American Heroes Network provides a way for individuals, corporations and small businesses to support our Heroes by helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. They help aim our veterans, looking for jobs, in the right direction, help provide homes for our troops, assisting individuals and their families who have been severely injured while serving in the U.S. military and providing scholarships for families of our Fallen Heroes.
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Gary Ray
"Gary Ray's" background includes hosting / co-hosting radio talk shows for more than 15 years on a number of subjects. His background also includes more than 19 years in the Insurance industry, nine years as an Internet Marketer and consultant. Gary is co-founder and co-developer and involved in the implementation of the Worldwide Racing Network. For seven years he worked closely with NASCAR and Turner Sports Interactive with the NASCAR Touring series.
"Gary Ray" joined Armed Forces Radio Network in 2008 as the Public Relations Director and provided Marketing and radio interviews. In February 2011 he was promoted to President. In September 2012 he resigned his position to continue his passion on the next level.
Gary continues helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. He believes by working together, our military men and women who return home are heroes to their families and communities. His resources provide a lifeline of aid and support not only for our veterans but also the families of our fallen heroes.
"Gary Ray" is developing one of the most powerful Radio Networks in the country called "American Heroes Network" powered by VoiceAmerica. You will hear firsthand the personal accounts of heroes whose unselfish actions have contributed to the traditions and values that represent the soul of America.
