From IAVA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 25, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org
Washington, DC – Today, legislation reflecting Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s (IAVA) call to bring veterans with medical experience to the fight against COVID-19 has been introduced by Representatives Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Neal Dunn (R-FL). The Supporting Education Recognition for Veterans during Emergencies (SERVE) Act, to prevent medical staffing shortfalls across the country, would direct the VA to identify veterans with former military medical occupation specialties and share volunteered information with state departments of veterans’ affairs and labor, VSOs, and state-credentialing bodies, to facilitate the credentialing process at the state-level.
“Taxpayers have already invested billions in veterans to receive medical training and show grit under pressure,” said Jeremy Butler, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. “There are hundreds of thousands of veterans with critical medical knowledge and experience. They are an untapped resource and should not be kept on the sidelines. The bipartisan SERVE Act is something all Members of Congress should be able to get behind and pass this year to address the continuing crisis.”
“As a veteran myself, I can attest to the incredible amount of detailed training and experience veterans receive while serving in our military,” said Representative Dunn. “It is a waste to all of our industries and communities to not allow them to utilize their talents and skill sets upon return to civilian life. During the current pandemic, these individuals could make significant contributions to our communities given their extensive medical skills. It’s high time we formally recognize their special training and give them the opportunity to further serve our nation.”
“It’s simple – veterans have received some of the best training available and want to contribute after they return to civilian life,” said Representative Lamb. “The emergency medical training they get during their military service is in dire need. We need to make it easier for our veterans to serve our communities during this pandemic.”
Team Rubicon and IAVA’s petition to allow credentialing of veteran military medical providers prompted the Congressmen to draft the SERVE Act. IAVA then worked with both Representatives to identify specific gaps and opportunities for credentialing veterans.
Founded by an Iraq veteran in 2004, IAVA is the non-partisan leader in advocacy, public awareness and 1-on-1 care management and peer support. We organize locally, drive historic impacts nationally and fight for over 400,000 veterans and their allies nationwide. If a veteran or their family is in need of assistance now, please reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at www.quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist you. Visit IAVA’s The Vote Hub at www.votehub.org to register to vote and find polling information.
