Message from Commissioner Hendon:
VA Encourages Telehealth to Promote Safety

Dear Veteran Community,

As New York City plateaus after reaching it's projected peak of the novel coronavirus pandemic, social distancing is more important than ever to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones and to help continue the downward trend of new cases in general.

However, if you feel seriously ill, then first and foremost, please contact your doctor or medical provider to see what they recommend. If it is an emergency, then please call 911.

Like non-VA hospitals, VA in-person services have been impacted by COVID-19. They have responded accordingly to save lives and protect Veterans.

Local VA hospitals are currently available for emergencies and urgent ongoing treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy. To reduce exposing Veterans to COVID-19 and to respect social distancing, the VA is requesting that Veterans call and/or use telehealth services instead of visiting VA hospitals.

Some of the telehealth resources that are available to Veterans right now include:

The Rx Refill mobile app is another option for Veterans to refill prescriptions and have them delivered to their homes.

Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions Protocol App lets Veterans receive texts with updated COVID-19 information. It can also help Veterans monitor symptoms if they need to contact their local facility for care.

Need to Know

Support for Survivors

We understand home is not always safe.

According to the VA, women veterans are more likely to experience Intimate Partner Violence than civilian women. Compounding this issue is the recently reported rise of domestic abuse cases worldwide due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, please call NYC’s 24-hour support hotline at 1-800-621-4673. Call 911 for emergencies. For additional services visit NYC Hope.

New York State also operates a domestic violence hotline that you can contact at 1-800-942-6906.

Economic Impact Payments

This week the IRS began issuing Economic Impact Payments, also known as stimulus checks, to those who filed in 2018 and 2019. 

Low-income New Yorkers who are not required to file income taxes can still receive an Economic Impact Payment. To get your payment as quickly as possible, register your information in the "Non-Filer: Enter Payment Info Here" section of the IRS website. Anyone who receives veterans disability compensation, pension, or survivor benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs can also register their information using this tool.

Open Positions at NYC Health + Hospitals

For those able to serve, NYC Health+Hospitals is looking to fill 500 non-clinical positions immediately including:

• Clerical Associate
• Mortuary Technician
• Nurse's Aide (Transport Escort)
• Service Aide (Housekeeping, Receiving, Dietary, and Central Sterile)

No medical background is required. To learn more and apply click here.

Federal Updates

Support for Small Businesses

 The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering new relief options to help your business get through COVID-19.

Programs include:

• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance provides small businesses impacted by COVID-19 with up to $10,000. This loan advance does not have to be repaid.
• As part of the SBA's debt relief efforts, the SBA will pay the interest, principle, and fees for new and current microloans.
• The SBA Express Bridge Loan provides quick access to up to $25,000 for small businesses that already have a relationship with an SBA lender.
• The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan forgiveness program for small businesses that continue to pay their workforce for eight weeks.

Learn more here.  

National Cemetary Administration

COVID-19 Veteran Resource Guide

Virtual Veterans Event

Minority Vets Safety Series: Protecting Yourself & Your Family

Immigrant Heritage Week