We’re here anytime, day or night - 24/7
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
Get more resources at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Center for Minority Veterans
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) was established by Public Law 103-446, in 1994. Title 38, United States Code (USC), Section 317 reflects the current responsibilities of the CMV. The Center Director serves as principal advisor to the Secretary on the adoption and implementation of policies and programs affecting minority Veterans. CMV serves as an advocate for minority Veterans by conducting outreach activities to promote the awareness and use of VA benefits and services.
Subscribe to receive Center for Minority Veterans updates and news
Access Resources & Benefits
Apply for Pre-needs Eligibility Apply for Health CareFile a Disability ClaimContact CMV
Secure Messaging:
“Ask VA” at ask.va.gov
(select “Minority Veteran)
Business Phone:
(202) 461-6191
Email:
vacocmv@va.gov
Follow us on Facebook!
How We Outreach to Minority Veterans
CMV is charged with identifying barriers to service and health care access, as well as increasing local awareness of minority Veteran related issues by developing strategies for improving minority participation in existing VA benefit programs. CMV utilizes three major outreach initiatives to ensure minority Veterans concerns are addressed:
Advisory Committee On Minority Veterans (ACMV)
Appointed by the Secretary, The Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans (ACMV) was established under Public Law 103-446 § 510, November 2, 1994. The Committee consists of veterans who represent respective minority groups and are recognized authorities in fields pertinent to the needs of the minority group they embody. The Committee responsibilities include:
- Advising the Secretary and Congress on VA’s administration of benefits and provisions of health care, benefits, and services to minority Veterans.
- Providing an annual report to Congress outlining recommendations, concerns and observations on VA’s delivery of services to minority Veterans.
- Meeting with VA officials, Veteran Service Organizations, and other stakeholders to assess the Department’s efforts in providing benefits and outreach to Minority Veterans.
- Making periodic site visits and holding town hall meetings with Veterans to address their concerns.
Minority Veteran Program
The Minority Veterans Program (MVP), was created IAW VA Directive 0801 to increase awareness of minority Veteran-related issues at the local level and to develop strategies for increasing Veterans’ participation in VA healthcare, benefit programs, and other services
The primary goal of this outreach initiative is to increase local awareness of minority veteran-related issues and develop strategies for increasing their participation in existing VA benefit programs for eligible Veterans.
Minority Veteran Program Coordinators (MVPCs) are located at Regional Offices, Health Care Facilities, and National Cemeteries.
Minority Veterans Spotlight - From Uniform to Unforgettable
The Center for Minority Veterans (CMV) officially launched our storytelling campaign: From Uniform to Unforgettable. We’re inviting all Veterans (or those who want to nominate a Veteran) to share the moments that shaped them in uniform, and in the purpose they continue to live out beyond it.
Throughout the year, we are spotlighting:
African American or Black Veterans
February (Black History Month)
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI Veterans)
May (AANHPI Heritage Month)
Hispanic/Latino Veterans
Sept 15–Oct 15 (Hispanic Heritage Month)
Native American & Alaska Native Veterans
November (Native American Heritage Month)
📣 Submit your story—or nominate a Veteran.
Veteran Business and Economic Development Outreach
A need exists to educate, inform, and identify minority Veteran business owners and potential business owners on the intricacies of contract and business procedures, processes, and contracting opportunities available in both the government and private sectors. CMV has partnered with the VA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) to co-sponsor business outreach activities to target minority Veterans, disabled minority Veterans, and current minority business owners. The goal is to address business-related needs; identify opportunities and benefits, provide access to business opportunities and contracts within the federal government, and the private sector. Specifically, we sponsor business and entrepreneurial outreach conferences for minority and disabled Veterans to help them with the following:
- Understanding the processes involved for business start-ups, financing, and government contracting.
- Gaining basic working knowledge of contracting, SDB, Hub Zone, 8A certifications, marketing, and business legal structures.
- Developing immediate contracts and emphasizing the importance of networking, communication, and relationship building.