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Concerns raised about transgender veterans and importance of DVS funding
1:40:46
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73 sec
Brian Ellicott Cook highlights the increasing challenges faced by transgender veterans, including retraumatization due to political developments. Council Member Holden emphasizes the importance of funding for DVS and veteran programs to address these issues.
- A transgender veteran's suicide at a VA hospital is mentioned as an example of the severe impact of recent policy changes
- Holden stresses the need for additional funding for DVS and programs like RTM therapy for PTSD
- The council member emphasizes how proper funding could save lives and support veterans' families
Brian Ellicott Cook
1:40:46
And one thing that I wanted to bring up briefly because you're so passionate about the RTM and the PTSD stuff is actually we're seeing a skyrocketing amount of retraumatization because of what's going on in Washington.
1:41:03
In Rochester, a trans veteran completed suicide at a VA hospital after that announcement by the Trump administration.
1:41:12
I, as a trans person, am working daily with our Sage Vets team to make sure that our trans vets know that they can come to us.
1:41:20
And this, because you're so passionate about PTSD, I wanted to amplify that it's only getting worse.
Robert Holden
1:41:29
And that's why we need additional funding for DVS and all the programs.
1:41:33
And that's why I'm not asking for a lot of money just for a pilot program that probably would work for most veterans Mhmm.
1:41:43
And in a short period of time because that could save a life and that could save a family's existence.
1:41:49
Because that's why it's so important to invest reinvest in in our DVS now.
1:41:55
But thank you, Brian, for all your work on the front lines again.
1:41:58
Thank you.