Veterans and Parkinson's Disease are topics that hit home to me. As a police officer, (Rsv.) I worked with many military heroes throughout my experience with the United States Coast Guard Aux. I have worked with numerous families who sacrificed much to serve our country.

Veterans serving today and their families deserve only the best medical care and they deserve to be seen as a priority by medical professionals.  Shockingly, though, there seems to be a lack of support and awareness for many who served and today suffer from Parkinson's Disease and other debilitating diseases after service. 

One may ask how it could be possible that someone who dedicated a large portion of their life to service and is suffering from a disease directly correlated to such service. Mental health, disease, and support need to be at the forefront for our veterans and their families. Too many medical cases are now part of the national discussion, such as the numerous lawsuits from Camp Lejeune, Only now is attention being brought to the issue of water contamination causing PD in service members.

According to H.R.2192 -The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 allows people to file lawsuits against the Department of the Navy for exposure to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. From 1953 to 1987, the base's public water supply was contaminated with toxic chemicals.  Thousands of Marines and their families suffered severe illnesses and died. Over 546,500 claims have been filed, making the lawsuits from Camp Lejeune some of the most significant injury cases in the USA today. The Navy has resolved around 150 cases, but the process is expected to take several years with the first trials expected to begin next year. Some challenges to the lawsuits include; the United States contesting whether plaintiffs were exposed to contaminated water and contesting the number of damages plaintiffs may be entitled to.

For more information go to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Claims or Camp Lejeune water contamination health issues links. We still need more awareness, immediate governmental intervention, and for all of us to get involved and use our voices to bring needed change to support our Veterans and their families.

Signing up and taking an oath to our country should never bring back reciprocal adverse outcomes. After retirement or in the event of disability, support should be provided. In speaking to a veteran, I was surprised and saddened to learn of the lack of support. One veteran I spoke with stated that there are only three bases with Parkinson's movement specialists and medical professionals throughout the United States. This does not provide enough care to meet the needs of veterans who desperately need advice, care, and support in battling PD.

Please get in touch with your representatives and call for change to support our Veterans and their families. Use these links to contact your federal representatives at the United States Senate  , United States House of Representatives , Or Veterans Affairs. Together, our voices are so much stronger, and we can bring positive change and shed light on this urgent and critical area that needs more attention now. Please act now as this is urgent, and together, we can be a voice for those Veterans struggling and battling PD today, likely due to environmental issues that need more attention now!