Birmingham VA Health Care System

Approximately 135 people are affected by each suicide within the military community according to Blue Star Families. Blue Star Families (BSF) will host a Veteran suicide prevention PSA campaign titled Combat the Silence in Montgomery and Selma.

It was twenty years ago this month that the Monsanto chemical company settled a lawsuit with residents of Anniston. Illnesses ranging from cancer to birth defects were blamed on a group of chemicals called PCB’s. But, this isn’t the only example of Alabama residents allegedly being made sick by big industry. Another group all have something in common. They all served in Vietnam. We begin our story with a man APR listeners met last week.

Military veterans in Alabama have a deadline regarding their health care. Washington is signing up former members of the Armed Forces for what’s called the PACT Act. It offers health benefits for Vets who were exposed to chemical hazards like burn pits and Agent Orange.

President Biden signed legislation to help Alabama military veterans one year ago this month. That means former members of the Armed Services have until tomorrow to sign up for the so-called PACT Act.

More Birmingham veterans are being vaccinated for COVID-19 thanks to a partnership with the United Way of Central Alabama.The Birmingham VA Health Care…