Two years ago, President Joe Biden signed into law the PACT Act, a bipartisan agreement named after Sgt. First Class Health Robinson, a decorated combat medic who died from a rare form of lung cancer.

Health benefits can be a challenge for all, however, and in order to make sure area veterans are getting signed up for, and receiving, the additional benefits now available to them, the W.G. Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center hosted a PACT Act Summer VetFest on the campus on Saturday, Aug. 3.

The full name of the program is the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, and it represents some of the most significant expansion of benefits and services for toxic-exposed veterans in more than 30 years.

The event was an opportunity for veterans to ask questions, help determine possible eligibility and get signed up or at least start the process. But this year, as opposed to last year, the goal was also to make the event family-friendly, with food and outdoor games for children as well as information tables and discussions inside for the veterans.

And it seems to have worked, because the initial count was more than 400 attendees, which is a big turnout, according to Chief Communications Officer Kevin Stapleton,

“We wanted veterans to see this was an event they could bring their whole family to,” he said. “And it’s meant to be one-stop shopping, where they can get any and all information they need regarding benefits and programs. We also want them to know the conversation doesn’t stop here.”

“We have 27 new applications for VA benefits, and that is huge for this group,” said Dionn Dixon, military services coordinator of outreach, noting that veterans are a group that can have a hard time admitting they need help.

The PACT Act expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. It will bring these changes:

• Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for veterans with toxic exposures and veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras
• Adds 20+ more presumptive conditions for burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures
• Adds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiation
• Requires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every veteran enrolled in VA health care
• Helps improve research, staff education and treatment related to toxic exposures

And veterans can enroll immediately, without having to apply for disability first, as long as they meet one of the following descriptions” served in Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan any combat zone after 9/11, deployed in support of the global war on terror or were exposed to toxins or other hazards during military service, here in the U.S. or abroad.

Specific toxins and hazards include burn pits, sand and dust, particulates, oil well or sulfur fires, chemicals, radiation, warfare agents, depleted uranium, herbicides and other occupational hazards.

“I got information on the PACT Act last year, but didn’t follow up on it,” said veteran Dan Grimes. This year he came back and started the process of signing up, and he praised the VA for “being so proactive” this time around.

A fellow veteran, who preferred not to give his name, noting he has PTSD and doesn’t “do people,” said he was glad he came, in spite of his hesitation, because he discovered that toxic exposure he had qualifies him for benefits that he was unaware of. Veterans are easier for him to be around, he said, because they understand the issues he struggles with, and he was glad he attended the event.

More information is available should any veterans have questions about eligibility by contacting the VA center at salisburyvapublicaffairs@va.gov.