Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Harris served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years with two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam during the Civil Rights Movement. (Photo: Justin Connaher)
The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a partnership with the NAACP to improve services for minority Veterans.
The objective of the initiative is to increase Black Veteran enrollment in VA services and ensure the hiring of culturally competent care providers specializing in serving minority communities. This collaboration comes at a crucial time, as it seeks to address historical disparities and create a more inclusive and respectful environment for minority Veterans.
The VA and NAACP will work together to increase the number of Black Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Additionally, they seek to raise awareness of the various benefits and services offered by the VA specifically tailored to Black Veterans. By doing so, they hope to bridge the gap between the availability of support and Veterans’ access to these resources.
One of the critical aspects of the partnership is the recruitment of culturally competent care providers. These specialized professionals will better understand the challenges faced by minority communities and ensure more personalized and empathetic care for Black Veterans, all in an effort to significantly improve quality of care.
Derrick Johnson, CEO of the NAACP, emphasized the historical significance of this partnership. He acknowledged that Black Veterans have not always received the respect and fair treatment they deserve, despite their invaluable service to the nation. With this historic collaboration, the NAACP is determined to ensure representation comes hand in hand with respect, fostering an environment where every Veteran feels valued and supported.
Recent data from the VA revealed that while Black Veterans were more likely to receive benefits grants. These grants were, on average, smaller compared to those for other Veterans. The partnership between VA and the NAACP will look into such disparities and take measures to rectify them, making sure that all Veterans are treated equitably and receive the support they need.
This partnership aligns with the VA’s broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By creating an Agency Equity Team, known as the I*DEA — or inclusion, diversity, equity, and access — Council, the VA is proactively working to eliminate barriers and inequalities faced by historically underserved Veterans. The council is dedicated to improving outcomes, identifying disparities, and implementing an action plan to create a more equitable environment for all Veterans and employees.
By addressing historical disparities, increasing awareness, and hiring culturally competent care providers, this partnership seeks to create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all Veterans.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
