Blind and low vision veterans and their families may not be aware of the Center for Minority Veterans (CMV), established by Public Law 103-446, in 1994. Title 38, United States Code (USC), Section 317 reflects the current responsibilities of the CMV, which seeks to champion minority veterans by ensuring awareness of, and equitable access to, the benefits and service they have earned through their service. The ultimate goal of the Center is to enhance the well-being of veterans, their families, and survivors.
CMV’s mission is six-fold:
- Advises and makes recommendations to the VA Secretary on the adoption and implementation of policies and programs affecting minority veterans.
- Promotes the use of VA benefits by minority veterans and the conduct of outreach activities to minority veterans.
- Conducts and sponsors appropriate social and demographic research on the needs of minority veterans.
- Advises the VA Secretary when laws or policies have the effect of discouraging the use of benefits by minority veterans.
- Publicizes the results of medical research which are of particular significance to minority veterans.
- Provides support and administrative services to the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans.
CMV offers speaking and presentation briefings, support to Veterans Service Organization programs, innovative engagement and outreach, and frequent email updates about current issues and CMV-sponsored events. To learn more about CMV and/or to subscribe to its email distribution list, visit the Center’s website here.