Health care information for Veterans traveling through rural areas

VA has expanded its pilot program to connect Veterans in rural areas with information about VA telehealth and mental health resources.

In partnership with several state departments of transportation, VA posted resources at rest areas across the states to provide traveling Veterans easily accessible information about telehealth options, the closest VA location and the Veterans Crisis Line.

VA initiated the pilot in Montana due to the state’s size and rurality while working closely with the Montana Department of Transportation to provide the information at 47 rest areas across the state.

Connect with VA far from home

VA continued the program in Wyoming, Kansas, Louisiana and Nevada. To date, VA has deployed resources to 157 rest areas and 89 welcome centers across Kansas, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada and Wyoming, covering more than 52,000 miles of state and interstate highways.

“Providing Veterans with more resources, no matter where they are in the country, will improve access to services VA offers,” said Interim Network Director Sunaina Kumar-Giebel. “This initiative offers more opportunities for Veterans to connect with VA even if they are far from their home facility.”

Assists with continuity of care in rural areas

Rural health care is often limited because of unpredictable funding, care requirements and expansive geographics. This campaign connects Veterans with VA resources and providers. It maintains their continuity of care within the VA health care system using innovative telehealth technologies.

VA intends to continue the initiative in other rural states.

State Department of Transportation offices seeking to participate in this initiative may contact the VA Rocky Mountain Network’s Connected Care/Telehealth Office at: VISN19CCT@va.gov.

To read more stories about rural health care, visit VA News and Information.