FREE Veterans Resource Day Coming To Suffolk County

Long Island veterans, active servicemembers and their families are invited to a free resource day in Amityville next month offering health screenings, veterans benefits assistance and information on maintaining brain health.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host its “Honor & Thrive: Long Island Veteran & Family Resource Day” on Monday, November 9th, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Blvd. in Amityville.

The event will bring together health experts, government agencies and veterans service organizations to help military families connect with available programs and services.

Veterans will be able to meet with a New York State veterans benefit advisor and speak with representatives from government agencies serving veterans and servicemembers.

Free memory and blood pressure screenings and flu shots will also be available through Mount Sinai South Nassau.

The program will include two educational sessions. Dr. Jeremy Koppel, a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific & Memory Screening Advisory Board, will present “Healthy Aging for Veterans” from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

A panel discussion, “Connecting Veterans with Services & Support,” will follow from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Representatives from the New York State Department of Veterans Services, New York State Office for the Aging and veterans service agencies in Nassau and Suffolk counties are scheduled to participate.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, some military experiences can increase a veteran’s risk of developing dementia. Traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and having been a prisoner of war have been associated with increased dementia risk.

AFA encourages veterans to prioritize brain health through regular exercise, nutritious diets, adequate sleep, social activity and regular memory screenings. The November 9th event is free.

Veterans, servicemembers and family members can register at alzfdn.org/liveterans or by calling 631-223-4000.