If you're a member of the DAV, Department of New York and enrolled at the local VAMC for your medical care, we urge you to get your "DOG TAGS" to prove it.

The VA Medical Centers (VAMC) in New York are being short-changed everyday. As you know a portion of the monies formerly provided to our local VAMC's since April, 1997 are being distributed to other regions of the country, under "Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation" (VERA). The result is that thirteen Networks receive VERA funding increases over funding levels for FY 1997. Nine VISN's receive less funding. You guessed it, we're in the less-funding area.

Because some pandering bean counter sought to please his supervisor, by devising a way to save a buck, New York's VAMC's were and still are under funded.

But that's not all. The actions taken to date are not carved in solid rock. Things could get worse. Here's what Dr. Thomas L. Garthwaite, VA's Deputy Undersecretary for Health in 1998 when VERA was first implemented said, "We are continually reviewing VERA to assure that our healthcare resources are allocated in a manner that moves the VA system toward our goal of having equity of access to our services in all regions of the country, and in a manner that achieves the greatest return for the investment in taxpayer dollars."

Accordingly, further diversion of funds from New York's VAMC's to those in other regions is a serious possibility. For that reason, we've been requested more than once to use our presumed clout to encourage area veterans to enroll at New York's VAMC's for their medical treatment so as to justify the retention of sufficient federal dollars in our state to adequately provide the medical care and hospital needs of veterans here.

So, Rather than wait for the other shoe to fall, we are seeking ways to foster greater enrollment of veterans for treatment at our area VAMC's. As a matter of fact, check out our latest effort.

We hereby announce the availability of a pair of "dog tags" that enrolled veterans may obtain from Department Headquarters. Here's what they look like:

If you're enrolled at your local VAMC, you can get as many of these "dog tags" as you want. Just send in your donation and they're yours by return mail. You really should get them. It's a matter of pride.

Questions? Call us at (516) 887-7100.

Enabling the Disabled

A step-by-step process to help disabled drivers select the right vehicle and adaptive equipment is offered in a new brochure from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The publication, Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities, includes advice on investigating cost-saving opportunities and licensing requirements, evaluating needs, choosing a qualified dealer to modify the vehicle, and organizaions to contact for assistance.

The brochure is available by calling the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or by visiting NHTSA's web site at www.nhtsa.gov.

Listings of manufacturers that provide adaptive equipment ranging from mechanical and powered hand controls to wheelchair lifts are offered in the Disabled Driver's Mobility Guide from AAA. Available to members for free ($9.95 for non-members), the guide also lists driver-training facilities, evaluators and organizations that provide transportation options for the disabled.

To receive a copy of the NHTSA brochure (limited supply) or the AAA guide from the AAA Motor Club in New York, call 516-873-2364.