Support Toxic Exposure Screening for Veterans
10,484 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Veterans Site
Protecting our country comes at a cost. Toxic exposure during military service can lead to severe health issues. Take a stand for veterans' health!
Every day, our brave men and women in the U.S. military put their lives on the line to protect our country and defend our freedoms. They face countless challenges and risks while serving, but there is a threat that often goes unnoticed - toxic exposure. Many veterans may have been exposed to hazardous materials, such as toxic burn pits1 and particulate matter2, during their deployments in regions like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. This exposure can have severe health consequences, impacting the lives of those who have selflessly served our nation3.
The impact of toxic exposure on veterans' health cannot be ignored. It is our moral duty to ensure that those who have served receive the care and support they need upon their return. That's why we urge you to join us in supporting toxic exposure screening for veterans4.
The PACT Act: A Crucial Step Forward
In response to the growing concern over toxic exposure, bipartisan legislation called The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act) was enacted. This landmark legislation aims to strengthen and expand health care services for millions of veterans exposed to toxic burn pits during their service, as well as those who have developed complications related to Agent Orange exposure5.
Why Toxic Exposure Screening Matters
Toxic exposure screening is a vital tool in identifying and addressing health issues that may arise from exposure to hazardous materials during deployment. By getting screened, veterans can receive early detection and intervention, allowing for more effective treatment and support4. It empowers veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, providing them with the necessary resources to lead fulfilling lives after their military service.
A Pathway to Support and Care
The PACT Act has opened the door for veterans and survivors of veterans to seek additional VA benefits and health care6, yet hundreds of thousands more could be eligible for similar support and assistance. The law encourages veterans to come forward and file claims, ensuring that they receive toxic exposure screening and the necessary care tailored to their individual needs.
Unite for Our Veterans' Well-Being
As concerned citizens and advocates, we stand united in our support for the health and well-being of our veterans. Encouraging toxic exposure screening is not just a matter of policy; it is an expression of our gratitude and commitment to those who have given so much for our country.
Our veterans have dedicated themselves to defending our nation, and their sacrifices deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Ensuring that they receive the necessary care and support after their service is not just a responsibility but a moral duty.
Support Toxic Exposure Screening for Veterans
Join us in supporting toxic exposure screening for veterans. Together, we can take significant steps towards providing veterans with the care they deserve. Let's unite in our efforts to honor those who have served and safeguard their health and well-being.
Take action now and support our heroes. Make a difference today.
- Jeremy A. MacMahon, Donald A. Bruun, Pamela Lein, Open Access Government (4 January 2023), "Military burn pits: A toxic legacy of war."
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (18 April 2023), "Sand, Dust and Particulates."
- Interstitial Cystitis Network (2022), "Uncovering the Long-Term Effects of Toxic Exposure on Urinary Health in Veterans."
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (13 April 2023), "PACT Act Toxic Exposure Screening and your VA benefits."
- The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (20 July 2023), "Agent Orange exposure and VA disability compensation."
- Ishan Thakore, The War Horse (18 May 2023), "‘Please Come and Apply’—The PACT Act Is the Largest Expansion of Veteran Benefits in Decades."
The Petition:
To the U.S. Secretary for Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Senators and Representatives who influence policy at the VA,
We, the undersigned, stand united in our unwavering support for the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. Our veterans have selflessly defended our nation and protected our freedoms, and we believe it is our moral duty to ensure they receive the care and support they deserve upon their return from deployment.
We write this petition to express our heartfelt endorsement of the efforts to encourage veterans to get toxic exposure screening under The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). This bipartisan legislation is a crucial step forward in addressing the health needs of our veterans who have been exposed to toxic burn pits and hazardous materials during their service.
Toxic Exposure Screening for Veterans
Toxic exposure during deployments, particularly in regions like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, has raised serious concerns about the health impacts on our veterans. Particulate matter and hazardous substances pose significant risks to their well-being, and we believe it is essential to provide them with the tools and resources to address any health issues that may arise as a result of such exposure.
We commend the Department of Veterans Affairs for taking proactive measures to encourage veterans to get toxic exposure screening. By doing so, veterans can undergo early detection and intervention, enabling more effective treatment and support. Toxic exposure screening empowers veterans to take charge of their health and well-being, ensuring they receive the necessary care tailored to their individual needs.
Foster a Comprehensive Support System
The PACT Act is a testament to the commitment of policymakers like you to prioritize the health and well-being of our veterans. By strengthening and expanding health care services for veterans exposed to toxic substances, the legislation demonstrates our nation's dedication to caring for those who have served and protected us.
Toxic exposure screening plays a pivotal role in fostering a comprehensive support system for our veterans. By encouraging and facilitating screening, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind in receiving the care and assistance they need and deserve.
Our veterans have made immense sacrifices to safeguard our freedom and protect us from harm. As a society, we must recognize their service and honor their sacrifices. Encouraging toxic exposure screening is a tangible way to demonstrate our gratitude and show that we stand by our veterans in their time of need.
A Call for Collaboration and Advocacy
We urge you, esteemed policymakers and leaders, to continue your collaborative efforts in advocating for the importance of toxic exposure screening for veterans. By working together, we can spread awareness about the benefits of screening and ensure that veterans are well-informed about the resources available to them.
We also call upon veterans' organizations, medical professionals, and all stakeholders to join hands in supporting this vital cause. Together, we can create a network of support that reaches every veteran, ensuring that they have access to toxic exposure screening and the necessary care to lead fulfilling lives after their service.
Unite for Our Veterans' Well-Being
As concerned citizens and advocates, we stand united in our support for the health and well-being of our veterans. Encouraging toxic exposure screening is not just a matter of policy; it is an expression of our gratitude and commitment to those who have given so much for our country.
We are confident that your dedication and efforts to promote toxic exposure screening will make a significant difference in the lives of our veterans. By prioritizing their health, we can ensure that they receive the care they need to overcome any health challenges resulting from toxic exposure.
We, the signatories of this petition, wholeheartedly support your endeavors to encourage veterans to get toxic exposure screening. Let us continue to work together to create a future where every veteran receives the care, respect, and support they deserve.
Sincerely,
