Rebecca Bolton

Key discussions centered on the Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFC) Study to be conducted by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), with the Pease community being the initial site for foundational data collection before a multi-site study. Edits were unanimously agreed upon for the draft request to the National Guard Bureau (NGB) to ensure that occupational health exposures (HAZMAT) and other potential non-PFOA/PFOS water contaminants receive a higher level of importance, rather than focusing primarily on PFOA/PFOS. Action items included progressing a claim submission process through the Office of Veteran Services, organizing staff support and initial coordination for newly established sub-committees, and addressing the need for consolidated information distribution platforms. The group also planned for a future community listening session.

This document details the operational framework and guiding principles for the Halls of Hope/Lebanon Mental Health Court's Veterans Track program. It emphasizes a coordinated referral process with the Veteran's Justice Outreach Worker and the VA to ensure veterans access specialized services. Key principles include maximizing inter-agency communication, improving access to VA and community mental health services, expediting case processing, reducing recidivism, enhancing community safety, and ensuring appropriate treatment. The plan also focuses on incorporating educational, vocational, and counseling programs, and encouraging family involvement, ultimately aiming to improve the health and well-being of veterans and enhance community safety.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Chairman welcomed new members and guests. Guest speakers included the DAV Commander and a representative from Veteran Legal Justice. Supportive agency reports were received, noting that the new 3rd Floor LABORATORY at Manchester VA is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. Several upcoming events were announced, including the Armed Forces Day Ceremony, Memorial Day Ceremony, Flag Day observance, Army Birthday Celebration, the "MOVING VIETNAM WALL" event, and the "Veterans Appreciation Game." Legislative briefings were submitted from the Offices of the Governor and National Legislative State representatives.

The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks and introductions. Key updates included a presentation on the Army's Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program, noting the approximately 60 participating partners in New Hampshire and its connection to employment guarantees for Service Members and Veterans. Discussions also centered on establishing a Governor's Military & Veteran recognition initiative to enhance the 'NH Veteran brand' and the ongoing progress of the 'NH First for Veterans' initiative, which focuses on Veteran-friendly advocacy, employment support, and well-being resources. A legislative update highlighted efforts concerning a NH license plate honoring Veterans, the creation of a dedicated Veterans 'fund,' and administrative changes within DMAVS. Information briefs covered the feasibility study for a full-service VA hospital in NH, the operational status and upcoming events at the NH State Veterans Home, and analyses by NH DHHS and NH Hospital Association regarding federal program changes impacting Medicaid and SNAP recipients.

The meeting, hosted by the Manchester VA Medical Center Director, included an overview of current budget challenges resulting from federal funding guidance, emphasizing efforts to maintain high-priority services. Key initiatives discussed included updates on Veteran demographics across New Hampshire, the "Veteran Freedom to Smile" oral health care initiative, and a review of the recent summit on ending Veteran homelessness, which focused on strategic messaging and benchmark definitions. Furthermore, there was an update on the "Ask the Question" (ATQ) campaign's next phase, aiming to identify, inform, and meet the objectives of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families, including efforts to address suicide risk and facilitate VA enrollment. Other updates covered the Veteran-Friendly Business network, legislative progress on HB 1589 (Veterans Treatment Court), and facility updates from the NH Veterans Home regarding staffing and construction projects. A significant discussion point involved addressing New Hampshire's consistent struggle with military recruiting.