Fargo VA Hosts First Ever Summer VetFest

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Since 1929, the Fargo VA has offered services to veterans in the surrounding community. With this first-ever VetFest, the main focus was finding assistance for veterans through what’s called the PACT Act.

“So what this allows us to do is start that conversation about any potential exposure concerns they may have experienced during their military service. And beyond that it allows us to make sure that they have the connected resources for what those next steps are,” said Andrea Middlestead, Environmental Health Lead at Fargo VA.

The PACT Act or the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act was put into act in 2022. It’s a law that has expanded health care and benefits for Veterans who have been exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. Since its enactment in 2022, it has been expanded for veterans up to 8 years earlier than the original proposal.

“This is implemented exposure informed care at the Fargo VA and across the entire VA system. So when you’re coming to see our providers and your care team, they’re aware of what your exposures were and how that may impact your health short term and long term,” said Middlestead.

According to Middlestead, a lot of concerns veterans who have come to the Fargo VA have been about being exposed and what they can do in the long run.

“One of the ways that we have tried to do that is try to reach out to the younger veteran population is to invite them to come to the medical center. A lot of them don’t know that of all the different services that we provide and its easy for them to come here,” said Jason Petti, Interim Medical Center Director.

Veterans who aren’t eligible for their services and want to get tested for exposure can contact their county service officer to find alternatives.

For more information on the Fargo VA you can visit their website.