Now that the holidays are over, and if you are still in a giving mood, I have enclosed some places to make donations.
1. The Erie VA Medical Center is one that accepts donations to help veterans with different needs. Checks can be made out to Erie VA Medical Center (put “Veterans’ Needs” in the memo). The address is Erie VA Medical Center, Attention Karen O’Neal, 135 E. 38th St., Erie, Pa. 16504.
2. Pennsylvania Soldiers And Sailors Home, Attention Ken Vybrial, 560 E. 3rd Street, Erie Pa. 16507. Make checks out to: Pa. Soldier and Sailors Home with “Veterans’ Needs” in the memo.
3. Veterans Miracle Center Erie, 1573 W. 39th St. Erie, Pa. 16509. This organizations helps veterans with needs from clothing to furniture. In the memo of your check, put “Veterans’ Needs”. Make the checks out to VMCE.
Important phone numbers
1. If a veteran is admitted to an in-network community emergency department or admitted to a community hospital, they must notify the VA within 72 hours to be considered for payment. Do not rely on a doctor or nurse to call. If you are not able to talk, have a family member call it in. The phone number is (844) 724-7842 or email VHAEmergencyNotification@va.gov.
2. Veterans that are in a crisis situation that need to talk to some one can call (800) 273-8255, press 1, or call 988 and press 1. The phone answers 24 hours a day every day.
3. Veterans that call the Meadville CBOC for DAV rides to their Veteran appointments can call (814) 868-8661. When you hear the recording, push 6603 to be connected.
It is a good idea to keep this on your refrigerator and make copies to keep in your wallet and give to your spouse.
Till next week, praying for all service members.
– Charles Castelluccio
