AGENCY TESTIMONY
Need 2: Self-identification of veterans
0:13:03
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43 sec
Commissioner Hendon addresses the second need for culture and arts in veterans services: the importance of veteran self-identification.
- DVS takes the issue of veteran self-identification seriously
- Statistics show that only 24.1% of veterans self-identify in New York City
- There is a critical connection between arts and cultural activities and motivating veterans to self-identify
- Self-identification is crucial for connecting veterans with available support and services
- The commissioner emphasizes the importance of this issue across all sectors of the veteran community
James Hendon
0:13:03
Need number 2, self identification.
0:13:06
As many of you know, DVS takes the issue of veteran self identification seriously.
0:13:10
To reiterate, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs f y 2 2023 gross domestic expenditure report, 34.3% of veterans self identify nationwide, 29.8% self identify in New York state, and 24.1% self identify in New York City.
0:13:27
It is critical to acknowledge at this hearing the nexus between arts and cultural activities and measures taken to motivate our brothers and sisters and their loved ones to come out of the shadows.
0:13:36
Only when we identify veterans can we connect them with the support and myriad of services that DVS and its city, state, federal, public, private, and nonprofit partners offer.
