Now that the CDC is begining to relax Covid 19 restrictions the Lyons VA seems to be tightening theirs. Many elements of the VA's PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (PRRTP) at the Lyons, NJ campus have fallen away over the years. This has happened due to VA complacency and lack of attention. This includes theraputic activities, recreation options, staffing, amenities, resources, etc. We have no recreation therapist because the posistion has yet to be filled since the last one was promoted. Two years ago additional program elements were shut down due to COVID-19. Classes and groups were reduced to 12 hours per week and recreational activities to 2 hours a week. Also due to COVID veterans have been restricted to campus for the full exent of their stay. This "perfect storm" of campus restrictions, decreased classes, no recreation therapist, and lack of recreation venues has created a serious hardship for veterans. We have sought resolution through the Veterans Advisory Council and other channels only to be met with resistance and excuses. Staff told the unit president (a veteran recieving treatment that is selected to be the spokesperson for all the veterans on the ward) there's nothing they can do and encouraged the veterans to take matters into their own hands. That is exactly what we are doing. We encourage and invite everyone to help us by signing this petition so ALL veterans that will follow in our footsteps here at the Lyons, NJ VA PRRTP will recieve the treatment they desperatly need. The photo attached are plaques veterans before us were able to make at the woodshop (also closed due to COVID) during their down time in order to hang on the walls of the PTSD ward. They did this to commemorate their hard work and dedication to themselves and their mental health. Stand with us MOAON AABE!!