CalVet seeks to enhance outreach for veterans services in California

During a recent joint hearing of the California State Assembly and Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, officials discussed the critical outreach efforts aimed at supporting veterans and service members in the state. The meeting highlighted the significant role of the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) in connecting with the veteran community.

CalVet representatives reported that the department currently handles over 900 calls each month, primarily through its veteran services division. This division has been instrumental in engaging with veterans, with local coordinators interacting with more than 30,000 veterans last year alone. Additionally, the California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) has reached over 35,000 exiting service members since its inception, showcasing the department's commitment to providing essential resources and support.

Despite the robust outreach efforts, officials acknowledged the challenges in effectively communicating with veterans. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that veterans receive accurate information about available services. While the Veterans Administration is restricted from advertising its services, CalVet is actively seeking ways to enhance its messaging and outreach strategies to better serve the community.

The discussions underscored the ongoing need for collaboration between state agencies and local veteran service organizations to improve access to resources and support for veterans. As CalVet continues to refine its outreach efforts, the focus remains on ensuring that veterans are informed and connected to the services they need. This commitment to enhancing communication and support is expected to have a lasting impact on the veteran community in California.