Q&A
VA communication methods and effectiveness in reaching veterans
2:02:00
ยท
73 sec
Council Member Robert Holden inquires about the VA's methods of communicating with veterans. Mercedes Elias and Ryan Graham provide insights into the VA's communication strategies and their effectiveness.
- Elias mentions that the VA primarily uses snail mail for communication
- The inefficiency of sending multiple letters for appointments is discussed
- Graham notes that he receives numerous cards in the mail from the VA
- The discussion touches on the need for veterans to keep their contact information up to date with the VA
- The Brooklyn VA facility is mentioned as a resource that some veterans utilize
Robert Holden
2:02:00
What tell tell me, and again, it could be Mercedes you could mention.
2:02:05
What what is the VA?
2:02:07
How does the VA communicate with veterans?
2:02:10
I mean, I You're you're you're both veterans.
2:02:14
So
Mercedes Elias
2:02:14
Mail.
2:02:15
Snail mail.
Robert Holden
2:02:16
They'll send you a million.
2:02:17
Get mailings on programs like what he just mentioned?
Mercedes Elias
2:02:19
Programs, even if you have an appointment, you're gonna get 3 letters in the mail, which just go to waste and trash, which for younger generation, it's really bad to be that wasteful.
2:02:28
But even older older veterans don't even use technology in email, so it's very difficult.
2:02:33
So to in my opinion, and Brian, fill it say if you feel any different, the VA is just there and it's just like, just come to me.
2:02:40
There's no
Robert Holden
2:02:41
So the VA There's
Mercedes Elias
2:02:42
no push of information.
Robert Holden
2:02:43
VA doesn't do your, let's say, it doesn't send you a mailing to say, fill out this so we can have your current address, your email, you know, what No.
Mercedes Elias
2:02:52
It's just when you when you get benefits, you're assigned to a specific VA, and they have to have your update up to date information
Robert Holden
2:02:58
Alright.
Mercedes Elias
2:02:58
Better than that.
Robert Holden
2:02:58
But you don't get that.
Ryan Graham
2:03:01
Yeah.
2:03:01
Actually, I got a ton of cards in the mail.
2:03:04
One of them I had to, over the past month renew my card.
2:03:07
I use utilize the Brooklyn VA.
2:03:10
I I definitely utilize it.
2:03:12
It's a great facility.
Mercedes Elias
2:03:12
I utilize it.
2:03:13
But