Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Contessa Officer, Director of Veterans Program at VNS Health
2:03:55
ยท
145 sec
Contessa Officer, Director of Veterans Program at VNS Health and a veteran herself, testified about the services provided by VNS Health's Veterans Program and requested increased funding to expand their outreach and services. The program focuses on reducing social determinants of health for veterans and their families in New York City.
- VNS Health Veterans Program served over 1,500 NYC veterans or family members in FY2024
- They are seeking $500,000 to expand outreach and connect more veterans to care
- A new partnership with NYC Department of Veterans Services was announced to provide more veterans access to health care services
Contessa Officer
2:03:55
Good afternoon chair Holden and members of the New York City Council Committee on Veterans.
2:03:59
My name is Contessa Officer and I am the director of Veterans Program for VNS Health.
2:04:05
I am also a veteran.
2:04:06
I served in the US Army Reserves and National Guard.
2:04:09
Thank you for this opportunity to testify.
2:04:12
In fiscal year 2024, the VNS Health Veterans Program offered services to over 1,500 New York City veterans or veteran family members.
2:04:21
We are the largest hospice and home health service provider to veterans in New York City.
2:04:27
The VNS Health Veterans Program is unique and that we focus on reducing social determinants of health through increasing veterans and their families access to quality health care options in the home and community while at the same time connecting them to additional benefits available through the VA such as home health aid hours, durable medical equipment, and benefits for veterans spouses and dependents.
2:04:54
The program also refers veterans to community based resources such as supportive housing, transportation, and educates clinicians on veteran issues such as suicide prevention.
2:05:07
Our veteran team members visit veterans in their homes to recognize their military service, work with their health care team, and provide support to families as they navigate the VA benefits process.
2:05:22
We are grateful for the $170,000 we received in City Council discretionary funds for fiscal year 2025.
2:05:31
In this upcoming year, we are seeking 500,000 to expand outreach and connect more veterans to care.
2:05:40
This year the veterans program began a partnership with the New York City Department of Veterans Services to provide more veterans access to health care services.
2:05:51
This new will require additional funding to support veterans across New York City referred to the Vienna's health veterans program.
2:05:59
Veterans will receive individualized support from health care professionals to include services from our care management program and or health plan.
2:06:09
Thank you again for this opportunity to testify.
2:06:12
We appreciate the city council's leadership on veteran issues and offer our ongoing partnership and collaboration.