Veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances—from Agent Orange in the Vietnam era to burn pits in the Middle East after 9-11—are encouraged to attend a toxic exposure screening with Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Center personnel from 9:30am to 2:30pm Thursday, March 19 at the County of Monterey Military and Veterans Affairs Office in Marina.
The screenings are being made available in connection to the PACT Act, which was passed by Congress in 2022 to extend VA coverage to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances while serving in certain regions and at certain times during their military service.
Jack Murphy, director of the county's MVAO, said during a press briefing on Wednesday that his office estimates that more than 4,300 veterans in Monterey County alone are eligible for extended care through the PACT Act.
"Some may already have VA health care but have never had a toxic exposure screening," Murphy said.
During Thursday's event, veterans will be screened by VA staff and possibly enrolled for further medical care. Murphy's staff will next help connect veterans to additional benefits and services they are entitled to.
The office is located at 2620 First Ave., Marina. For information, call (831) 647-7613.