Benefits Webinar

The State of Maine offers veterans a variety of benefits and services.

Want to learn more about the benefits you've earned through service to our country?

Join us on Thursday for a 60 minute webinar beginning at 11:00AM.  To join, please visit https://maine.zoom.us







Food For Veterans: Drive-Through Pickup

On Saturday, May 2, Clear Path for Veterans New England and the USA Veterans and Military Support Foundation will be distributing food to veterans at Bentley's Saloon in Arundel, Maine.

One million meals have been prepared for distribution throughout New England, and Maine veterans will be able to access those meals in Arundel from 11:00AM - 2:00PM.

Any veteran who registers at the link below can pick up a box of non-perishable food supplies which should be sufficient to cover meals for 10-14 days (2 adults).

What: Meal Distribution For Veterans
Where: Bentley's Saloon, 1601 Portland Rd, Arundel
When: Saturday, May 2nd from 11:00AM - 2:00PM

To register, please visit: https://clearpathnewengland.formstack.com/





Veteran's Homelessness Prevention Coordination Program

Beginning Wednesday, April 29th, the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services will be holding a public comment period regarding the administration of the Veteran’s Homelessness Prevention Coordination Program.

The program and the proposed rules will provide funding for transitional housing to homeless veterans and coordinate efforts to remedy and prevent homelessness among veterans in the state. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that funds are given to organizations that are equipped to provide adequate housing services to homeless veterans in a safe, unbiased manner. To do this, the rule establishes eligibility criteria which recipient organizations must meet prior to receiving funds.

To view the proposed rule, please visit our website at:
www.maine.gov/veterans

Public comments can be submitted to:
Kevin Rousseau, Deputy Director, MBVS
Kevin.Rousseau@maine.gov
117 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04330





Now More Than Ever, Let Us Look Out For One Another
By David Richmond – Director, MBVS
Tracy Charette – Suicide Prevention Coordinator, VA Maine 
Amy Marcotte, Maine Vet Center

There’s no question we are living in unprecedented times.  A global pandemic has kept millions of Americans at home followed-up by a spring storm that dumped feet of snow, which knocked thousands of Mainers off the power grid.  Mainers are resilient, and there is no doubt we’ll get through the struggles of COVID-19, but during these trying times, let us remember the importance of taking care of not only our physical health, but our mental health as well. 

Over the past three years, the VA Maine Healthcare System, Maine Vet Centers, and the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services have worked together to reduce the risk of veteran suicide and promote resources to keep our nation’s service members mentally fit. Bringing together a variety of federal, state, and local resources, our three organizations – along with many others – have worked tirelessly to connect veterans with valuable resources before they reach a point of crisis. Our work hasn’t stopped, and it is more important than ever before. 

For many veterans, traveling to Togus has been made more challenging by COVID-19 and the VA Maine Healthcare System, Maine Vet Centers and MBVS field offices have worked daily to deliver quality and timely care to our veterans. All three of our organizations have embraced new technology to meet the needs of our State’s service members:

            VA Maine Healthcare System: Offering Telehealth-services to veterans. Through a home computer or mobile device, veterans can connect to the VA Maine Healthcare System. If you’re enrolled in VA health care, ask any of your providers to help connect you with the telemental health program or call 877-222-8387 to find the right resources for your needs.

            Maine Vet Centers: Mental health care is especially important during stressful times like these, and Maine’s five (5) Vet Centers are offering virtual appointments to veterans who need ongoing support. 

            Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services: MBVS Veteran Service Officers have continued to hold appointments (via telephone and Skype) for any veteran who wishes to file a claim with the VA. 

VA Maine Chaplains and the Suicide Prevention Team have also been working closely to keep veterans connected, albeit virtually. The isolation is difficult for everyone and we want to ensure people are getting “check-ins” if this is something
they are open to.

In collaboration with Chaplaincy and Suicide Prevention, and as a National response to COVID-19, the chaplaincy service is enhancing their outreach to veterans at increased risk for suicide. VA Chaplains are available to call veterans who are at higher risk of suicide and may be experiencing more psychological distress (anxiety, depression, worry, etc.) with the complication of physical distancing at this time. The purpose of the call is additional support and contact.  

While there is a great deal of uncertainty and many things seem to be out of our control, there is a great deal we can do for ourselves: keep a routine, exercise, call friends and family, read, worship, access telehealth options, meditate, or participate in activities you enjoy such as cooking or other hobbies. 

Stay in contact with your loved ones. Call family and friends. Now more than ever, social connection is a necessity.  Share your concerns and struggles with your family, because we’re confident you’re not alone in your feelings. Think about your network, and if there is someone you feel could use a little extra support, reach out and offer to be part of their support system. 

It’s also vital to learn the signs and symptoms of crisis. While some folks may not show signs of crisis, there are certainly behaviors that indicate risk.  The following are potential warning signs:

•           Appearing sad, depressed, or hopeless
•           Anxiety, sleeplessness, or mood swings
•           Rage, anger, or showing violent behavior
•           Engaging in risky behavior
•           Drug or alcohol abuse
•           Losing interest in hobbies
•           Neglecting personal hygiene
•           Withdrawing from family and friends

We’ll continue to do everything we can to provide the services our veterans and their dependents count on, but it’s up to all of us to band together as a community and do our part. Now more than ever, let’s continue our buddy checks and leave no Mainer behind. 

For Veterans in crisis or those who are concerned, help is available at the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, and press 1, or text 838255, or chat www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.

To learn more about available resources for Veterans and their families, please contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services at 207-430-6035 or visit their website www.maine.gov/veterans. 

Information about Maine’s five (5) Vet Centers can be found on the VA’s website https://www.maine.va.gov/visitors/VetCenters.asp

If interested in learning more about suicide prevention, please contact VA Maine Healthcare System Suicide Prevention Coordinator Tracy Charette at 207-623-8411 ext. 5017.







Dentistry Access for Maine Veterans

In April, the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) was awarded a grant from the Maine Health Access Foundation’s 2020 Discretionary Grants Program for a new project, “Dentistry Access for Veterans in Maine.” The Bureau’s interest in researching this special population stems directly from an apparent lack of access to dental services for veterans, unless they have a 100% service-connected disability rating with the Veterans Administration (VA) or meet very specific Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Dental Program eligibility requirements. Sarah Sherman, MBVS Director of Strategic Partnerships, is currently conducting telephone interviews with members of the oral health community across the State of Maine as the first phase of the project begins.