The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently celebrated its latest telehealth innovation at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6786 in Eureka, Montana, with the grand opening of the first VA Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations site which will benefit up to 300 veterans living in that community.
This remote telehealth exam room is the first of many that will be opened in partnership with veteran service organizations, bringing VA healthcare closer to rural veterans in their communities and reducing the need for them to travel long distances for select healthcare appointments.
“Our goal is to make sure every veteran has access to healthcare,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “ATLAS addresses another healthcare hurdle for veterans living in rural areas or with limited internet access and it’s a great example of how public and private organizations can work together to solve the challenges of healthcare.”
In addition to Eureka, Montana, the 10-site pilot program will have initial locations inside American Legions and VFW Posts in Springfield, Virginia; Los Banos, California and Linesville, Pennsylvania.
There are more than 9 million veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system with 3 million living in rural or remote areas and 27% of that population not having internet access at home.
Visit VA’s Connected Care website to learn more about ATLAS or VA’s Anywhere to Anywhere telehealth initiative.
