AMVETS Launches Veterans Health Center

Online service provides critical information, data, and resources to veterans and families

LANHAM, Md., Nov. 9, 2009—Veterans of all eras, including returning service members from the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, have a new resource for information on a variety of health issues confronting those who have served in uniform - the AMVETS Veterans Health Center.

The new center, launched in time for Veterans Day, is a free, online service providing information and resources on a broad range of health issues known to critically impact military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones. 

For the initial launch, the Veterans Health Center provides the latest information of topics such as Gulf War syndrome, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and health complications associated with Agent Orange. The Web site also features sections covering diabetes and heart disease, the nation’s leading causes of death, with information on fighting atherosclerosis and preventing heart disease by controlling cholesterol and other heart healthy actions.

“The new Veterans Health Center is the latest example of how AMVETS fulfills its commitment to veterans with the most advanced communications and information technology available,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin. “Our long standing support for diabetes research is also reflected in the new Veterans Health Center. Disabled veterans are particularly susceptible to diabetes, but with proper care and action it can be controlled and prevented.”

Resources for the Veterans Health Center include the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Mayo Clinic, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Johns Hopkins University, the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other leading health organizations.

AMVETS plans to regularly update the Veterans Health Center as new information becomes available, expanding the discussion on critical issues such as female veterans’ care, traumatic brain injury and respiratory problems associated with burn pit exposure. AMVETS’ goal is to provide up-to-date information on the most critical health issues for all veterans, past and present.

“Medical science advances every day and we want to make sure veterans are able to find and take advantage of the best information available,” said Miskulin. “By providing reliable information to veterans and steering them toward resources that can give them the information they need, we hope to have a significant and positive impact on the lives of veterans and their families.”

Visit the new Veterans Health Center at www.veteranshealthcenter.org.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.