Veterans, Military Families, & Military Affairs on August 28, 2026

The Boston City Council Committee on Veterans, Military Families, and Military Affairs held a hearing on August 28, 2026, focusing on lung cancer rates among Black veterans and services for women veterans. The meeting featured testimony from veterans' service organization leaders, public health officials, and VA healthcare providers who discussed the elevated risks of lung cancer due to military exposures, disparities in screening and treatment for Black veterans, and the unique healthcare needs of women veterans. Panelists highlighted ongoing outreach efforts, including community-based lung cancer screening programs and navigation support to help veterans access benefits and healthcare. The discussion emphasized the importance of education, trust-building, and culturally competent care, as well as safeguarding funding for veteran services. No specific procurement actions, contract awards, or budget allocations were reported during the hearing, but the conversation underscored the need for continued collaboration among city, state, and federal agencies to improve veteran health outcomes and access to services.