West palm beach va expanding mammography screening through the service act | va west palm beach health care | veterans affairs

West Palm Beach , FL — The Women Veterans Clinic of the West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System (WPBVAHCS) is calling on Veterans who served near burn pits to immediately pursue mammography

screenings. The Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act, signed into law on June 7, 2022, expands toxic-exposure eligibility

for Veterans who served overseas. The SERVICE ACT expands eligibility for Veterans deployed to certain locations during specified periods of time the ability to qualify for a breast cancer

risk assessment and mammography screening if a risk is found. The bill was named after Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and tireless Veterans’ advocate, who passed away

from breast cancer on April 5, 2022, at the age of 42. Dr. Thomas was a staunch advocate for helping her fellow Veterans, many of whom, like her, were exposed to burn pits during their

military service. “The SERVICE Act is an opportunity for Women Veterans to take preventative action and ultimately save lives. Detecting possible risks are always better in advance, this Act

helps to identify risks ahead of progression to ensure our Women Veterans live a long, healthy life,” says WPBVAHCS Women Veteran Program Manager, Rosemary Balaguer [pictured in the

attachment]. Veterans can contact their Primary Care team to further inquire and schedule a screening appointment. For more information, contact the WPBVAHCS Public Affairs Office at

561-422-8607.