Amarillo VA Health Care System completes 20,000 toxic exposure screenings

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Amarillo VA Health Care System recently completed 20,000 toxic exposure screenings, signifying a milestone in their mission to fulfill the goals of the VA’s PACT ACT, a law that expands VA health care benefits and eligibility for veterans.

According to officials from AVAHCS, the PACT Act was signed into law on Aug. 10, 2022, and expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Officials noted the law helps the VA provide generations of veterans and their survivors with care and benefits they have earned and deserve. The VA expanded health care to millions of veterans years earlier than called for by the PACT Act as of March 5, officials noted.

AVAHCS stated that over 75% of the AVAHCS veteran population has been screened allowing for teams to consider each veteran’s specific health requirements to include medical conditions considered for presumptive status under the PACT Act and veterans who are not enrolled now have the opportunity to enroll if eligible.

“This milestone clearly illustrates our healthcare team’s dedication to providing timely, efficient, ethical, safe, compassionate, and quality health care to veterans,” said Dr. Rodney Gonzalez, Director of AVAHCS. “The PACT Act has helped us build a stronger health care team with a more skilled workforce to meet the growing demand for benefits and services.”

Officials also stated that veterans who are eligible receive a quick 5 to 10-minute screening to identify any potential exposures to toxins during their military service and connect them to additional resources.

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