LA County launches peer access network for veterans

LOS ANGELES COUNTY (KABC) -- The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is celebrating Veteran's Day by launching a fully-operational Veteran Peer Access Network.

Five different "rally points" across the county will provide services, resources and benefits to veterans.

Each rally point - one in each L.A. County supervisorial district - will be staffed with workers from VPAN and L.A. County's Department of Military and Veteran Affairs who can connect veterans and their family members with appropriate services, resources and benefits.

Resources available include:

• Mental health - Treatment for trauma from combat exposure, military sexual trauma, relationship and intimacy issues

• Substance misuse support - Treatment for substance use disorders, including misuse of alcohol, prescription medication and other drugs

• Housing - Temporary and permanent housing for veterans and their families, help locating housing

• Workforce development and employment - Help with developing interview skills, resume creation, job coaching, plus volunteer and job opportunities

• Healthcare - Enrollment into VA healthcare, transportation to appointments, ensuring access to prescription medications

• Education - Support with school enrollment, vocational training, tuition assistance

• Miscellaneous - Food, childcare, transportation, financial assistance and more

• Legal services - Help with eviction prevention, discharge upgrade, applying for VA benefits, etc.

• Social connection and recreation - Opportunities to connect with other veterans in a variety of settings

To connect with VPAN, call the Veteran Support Line at (800) 854-7771.