VA hosts health benefit fairs in observance of July 4th

HARLINGEN, Texas ( ValleyCentral ) — Veterans Affairs Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will host Health Benefits Fairs in McAllen and Harlingen in observance of the 4th of July.

Both events will feature free hamburgers and hot dogs; fun door prizes; and important information about VA programs, services, and benefits including the PACT Act.

The two events are free and open to the public and the VA extends a special invitation to all Veterans and their family members.

The Harlingen event took place Friday morning at the Harlingen VA Health Care Center Clinic, located at 2601 Veterans Drive.

The McAllen event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McAllen VA Clinic, located at 901 East Hackberry Avenue.

The aim of these events is to inform Veterans, their families, and survivors about the PACT Act and encourage them to apply for the health care and benefits they have earned.

According to the VA, all Veterans who were exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military at home or abroad became eligible to enroll directly in VA health care beginning March 5. This means that all Veterans who served in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Global War on Terror, or any other combat zone after 9/11 will be eligible to enroll directly in VA health care without first applying for VA benefits.

Media Contact: Hugo Martinez, Hugo.Martinez@va.gov, 956-291-9243 or 956-454-3762

For future events, follow the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VCBHCS/.

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