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Congressman Pat Ryan is bringing his Constituent Advocacy Resources Empowerment Services (CARES) Van to various locations across the Hudson Valley this April. The mobile unit aims to assist residents with federal programs like Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare amidst recent cuts and closures. The first stop is scheduled for Tuesday (April 15) at the LaGrange Library, followed by visits to Village Green in Woodstock on Wednesday, Montgomery Free Library on Thursday, and the Village of Maybrook Senior Center on Thursday, April 24.
The CARES Van, staffed by highly-trained caseworkers, offers direct assistance with federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the IRS. Congressman Ryan emphasized the importance of the van in providing one-on-one support to families in their communities. "Amidst the cuts, closures, and uncertainty with federal programs, we’re marshalling every tool at our disposal to help folks," Ryan stated.
Since its launch in June 2023, the CARES Van has become a staple at community events, helping secure over $30 million in casework assistance for constituents in New York's 18th Congressional District. The van also collects feedback on healthcare experiences with Optum, a UnitedHealth subsidiary, contributing to an ongoing inquiry into the company's impact on local healthcare.