For Your Benefit
For and about Hawaii's military
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VA actively involved in HIV and AIDS treatment and study
Question: Is the Department of Veterans Affairs involved in any HIV and AIDS treatment and research?
Answer: The nation's largest, single provider of health care to those infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the VA. More than 55,000 veterans with HIV infection and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) have been treated since the disease was first recognized in the U.S. in 1981.
VA conducts research in HIV/AIDS, from basic studies of the mechanisms of AIDS to clinical trials and assessments of health services delivery. VA conducts frequent meetings, national training programs and teleconferences on issues related to clinical care and research, testing and counseling, prevention, patient health education and occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens. VA also employs newsletters and electronic news service, e-mail groups and web-based training to help HIV care providers keep their knowledge and skills in HIV/AIDS management up to date. Information can be found at www.va.gov/chrr and www.publichealth.va.gov.
Q: I am being called to active duty and have questions about my employer-provided pension and health benefits. Where can I get more information about my benefits?
A: The Department of Labor Veterans' Employment and Training Service has information for veterans, National Guard or reservists who may be activated for military service. National Guard and reserve members called to active duty, and their civilian employers, have certain rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act. VETS has developed a fact sheet and an interactive computer program, the USERRA Advisor, which address the rights and responsibilities of individuals and their employers under the law. These tools, and other USERRA information, can be found on the VETS web site, www.dol.gov/vets.
If you have questions about your benefits as a veteran, call Fred Ballard at the Veterans Affairs at 433-0049 or visit the VA Web site at
www.va.gov/hawaii or the Star-Bulletin at 529-4747.