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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program

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Wednesday, November 13, 2024   

A New York group has a new program to help veterans.

The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps veterans choose a home care provider. Initially, the program began with a few veterans on Staten Island but has grown to include people from other New York City boroughs.

Sharon McLennon-Wier, executive director of the center, said the program has been a year in the making with some challenges along the way.

"There was a lot of paperwork to become a provider through the federal government, the Veterans Administration," McLennon-Wier explained. "It required a lot of background checks, it required developing a manual, a lot of training with getting connected to the VA portal system, their referral system, their payment structure."

Since the program's launch, she reported feedback has been positive since New York City did not have such a program before. McLennon-Wier noted it also provides benefits for veterans' caregivers, who can earn income from this program.

An AARP report showed caregivers for veterans spend an average of $11,500 of their own money, since they often require more advanced care.

Though the program is still relatively new, McLennon-Wier hopes to grow it into a new department at CIDNY to help veterans access necessary services but it comes as the state and nation face a shortage of mental health providers for veterans. She pointed out along with extra training, the roles involve an understanding of veteran culture.

"Post-traumatic stress disorder in a veteran is something that a clinician who hasn't worked with veterans needs to understand the nuances of it," McLennon-Wier emphasized. "It's a different military lifestyle. It's a different culture. It's a different mentality."

She added mental health providers would also need training to help veterans with traumatic brain injuries. A Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General report found psychologists are the fourth top shortage position, while psychiatrists are the top shortage among specialty physicians.

Disclosure: The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York contributes to our fund for reporting on Disabilities. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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