Albany County has been selected for a national achievement award for the Veteran Identifier program administered by the county’s Department of Social Services. The Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents. 

The Albany County Veteran Identifier program is the first of its kind in New York and provides a link to services to veterans who may need assistance from Social Services and other agencies. The county employs a social worker who is a military veteran to assist other veterans and their families and to provide information on the programs and on services that are available.

Since the program was launched in June 2014, more than 260 veterans in the county have been identified and served by the Veterans Identifier Program.

“I am pleased that this programmatic approach to ending homelessness among our veterans has gained national recognition,” said county Executive Daniel McCoy in a release from his office.

Nationally, awards are given in 21 different categories that reflect the services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, and civic engagement.