PALM HARBOR, Fla. (2 June) - U.S. Rep. Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Fla.), member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Health Subcommittee, today announced a field hearing at New Port Richey City Hall on June 8 to examine the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) efforts to provide recreational therapy to our nation’s wounded warriors. Bilirakis will be joined by fellow Health Subcommittee members  U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) and U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.). Veterans, health care professionals from the VA and providers of recreational services will be among the witnesses testifying.

“When our heroes return home from the battlefront, we must use every resource available to help them lead normal and productive lives,” said Bilirakis. “This hearing will allow us to examine one of the many new avenues to accomplish this vitally important goal.” 

Therapeutic recreation focuses on all aspects of improving an individual’s health and functioning and is a vital component of integrated medical care at the VA. James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa is home to a dynamic recreation therapy services program.