A week after Hurricane Helene, statewide devastation continues to hold millions of Americans hostage.
Slow-rolling relief plans and lack of FEMA funding have left those affected looking for answers on how to move forward.
The VA staff is trying to provide relief where they can, helping veterans across state borders with resources.
An estimated 1.3 million veterans live in Florida, ranking it the third-highest veteran population in the United States.
Boats, debris, and dirty water were washed up in the Bay Pines VA hospital after Hurricane Helene struck last week.
Federal Benefits Service spoke with the VA police onsite to learn the extent of the damage.
“I have never seen anything like this,” said one veteran who joined the VA police force years ago to “help his fellow brothers” in deescalation as well as recovery.
“There were cans and bottles everywhere,” he continued, “littered on the hospital grounds from broken boats and lost coolers thrashed from the storm”.
Veterans impacted by Hurricane Helene are now arriving at facilities outside of their usual medical centers and outpatient clinics.
Many of these individuals may require urgent medical care, prescription refills, or assistance with mental health and social services.
The VA alerted staff at facilities in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
Florida veterans can call 1-800-698-2411 if they did not receive information on disaster resources or go to www.va.gov/vetresources.
The G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is urging anyone aware of displaced Veterans in Mississippi to have them reach out for support. The VA Medical Center said it is crucial to respond to their needs with urgency and compassion.
Contact Information:
- Traveling Veteran Coordinator:
Name: Litisa S. Pittman
Email: Litisa.Pittman@va.gov
Phone: 601-362-4471 ext. 57945 - Voluntary Services:
Name: Mahalia Wright
Email: Mahalia.Wright@va.gov
Phone: 601-362-4471 ext. 51522 - Clinical Contact Center:
Phone: 601-362-4471 (follow the prompts; press “3” to speak with a nurse)
Toll-Free Number: 1-800-949-1009
If you know of any Veterans in need, please encourage them to reach out for help.