Earlier this month, Congressman Nick LaLota (R-Amityville), a U.S. Navy Veteran himself, convened a critical Veterans Roundtable at the Rocky Point VFW. The event brought together leaders and experts from Suffolk County’s Veterans’ community to tackle pressing issues facing Long Island’s Veterans, including mental health, healthcare, housing, and ongoing challenges at local Veterans’ facilities.
The roundtable discussion highlighted Congressman LaLota’s legislative efforts, such as the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act, aimed at supporting Veterans’ mental health, and the Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, focusing on healthcare for Veterans impacted by liver fluke disease, a serious issue among some Vietnam Veterans. LaLota emphasized the importance of these programs.
“As a Navy Veteran, I deeply appreciate everyone who joined our roundtable in Rocky Point. Hearing directly from those on the front lines of Veterans’ issues is crucial in tackling the challenges our service members face every day,” said LaLota. “I am fully committed to ensuring that those who served our great country receive the care and support they’ve earned. By working closely with local leaders and advocates, we can enhance the quality of care for Veterans and make sure no one who wore the uniform is left behind”.
One primary focus of the roundtable was mental health. LaLota discussed his Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act, a program named in honor of an Iraq War Veteran from Long Island, which provides peer-to-peer support for Veterans grappling with mental health challenges.
The Congressman and attendees also addressed healthcare improvements for Veterans, discussing both increased access to the VA system and enhanced specialty care options. LaLota highlighted his Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, which seeks to improve research and treatment options for Veterans exposed to liver fluke infections. Representatives from local Veterans’ organizations noted the need for more specialized care for Veterans suffering from unique service-related illnesses.
“The results from the 2018 study at the Northport VA show ‘liver fluke’ is a serious medical issue that needs further research and treatment,” said LaLota. “Authorizing this study will increase our understanding of ‘liver fluke’ and allow our Veterans to receive the best treatment possible. Our Vietnam Veterans were treated poorly while serving our nation and in the years after they came home, the least we can do is provide them assistance today”.
Housing emerged as another critical topic, with leaders citing the urgent need for more affordable housing options for Veterans. Congressman LaLota’s Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act aims to address homelessness and housing insecurity by expanding resources and funding for Veteran housing initiatives.
“Veteran homelessness has become a crisis in our country that needs a responsible solution. My bill will seriously address this crisis while providing much-needed financial support for Veterans struggling to make ends meet,” said LaLota. “I am committed to working with all of my colleagues to support all of my fellow Veterans. These heroes and their families sacrificed so much for this country; they deserve only the best”.
Concerns over conditions at the Northport VA Medical Center were also raised, with discussions surrounding construction updates and hospital conditions. The roundtable featured key Veterans’ advocates, including Marcelle Leis, Director of Suffolk County VSA; Fred Sganga, Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home; Bill Hughes, Commander of the Suffolk County VFW district 11; and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (C-Selden), Chairman of the Veterans Committee, among others. Their combined expertise and insights underscored the importance of a collective approach in addressing Veterans’ issues.
