Paralyzed Veterans of America to be Honored by National Fertility Association with Award for Advocacy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is proud to announce that it will be honored with the Hope Award for Advocacy by non-profit organization, RESOLVE. The award is given to an individual or organization whose work has raised public awareness, advanced a legislative agenda, or prompted change for the benefit of those diagnosed with infertility.

The award announcement comes on the heels of Congress' recent passing of a provision that will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide reproductive services, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to veterans who qualify. For 24 years, since the ban prohibiting VA from providing veterans with these services, Paralyzed Veterans has worked tirelessly to advocate that procreative services be included as part of the medical benefits package of VA.

"We're very proud to be recognized with this award, as providing veterans with medical reproductive assistance is a top priority for Paralyzed Veterans of America" said Sherman Gillums, Jr., executive director of Paralyzed Veterans. "The ability to affect real change in veterans' lives, and the lives of their families, is our organization's mission. We thank RESOLVE for recognizing our efforts and for their leadership on this issue."

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, established in 1974, promotes reproductive health and ensures equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders.

For the past 24 years, a reproductive injury has been the only injury a service member could sustain and not receive medical care for from the VA, as a veteran. For thousands of veterans, that care was secured in the private sector at great financial and personal cost. Now, for an estimated 1,700 Paralyzed Veterans members, a future that was denied to them once because of injury, and denied to them again within the VA healthcare system, is finally possible.

Paralyzed Veterans will receive the Hope Award for Advocacy at RESOLVE's 19th Annual Night of Hope on November 15 in New York City. Paralyzed Veterans will be honored along with Sen. Patty Murray who has been a steadfast leader in trying to remove the VA ban on providing fertility services to veterans.

About Paralyzed Veterans of AmericaParalyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America