Veteran healthcare fliers now posted in rest areas

VA partners with WYDOT to increase awareness

By Jordan Achs

Over Labor Day Weekend, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the State of Wyoming announced the launch of a new pilot program to connect veterans in rural areas with telehealth and mental health resources.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation and Wyoming State Parks posted fliers at rest areas across Wyoming. The fliers include information about veterans’ telehealth options, the closest VA location, and the Veterans Crisis Line – showing veterans how to access care for both physical and mental health needs.

“Thank you so much for your partnership and enthusiasm to support the rest area campaign!” said Sara Alder, Community Telehealth Access Coordinator for the VA Rocky Mountain Network, in a thank-you letter to WYDOT. “I know this will have a positive impact on our veterans.”

The campaign involved the state of Wyoming as an early adopter because of its smaller, rural population, which can make options like telehealth critical for meeting healthcare needs. Additionally, Wyoming sees high-levels of commercial and tourist traffic, making the rest areas a great location to increase exposure to offerings for veterans nationwide.

VA worked closely with WYDOT to provide the information at 33 rest areas across the state.

“WYDOT is happy to take part in any initiative that helps support and take care of our veterans,” said WYDOT Director Luke Reiner in an Aug. 30 VA news release.

He added that both tourist and local drivers “could benefit from these services, and this is a great way to ensure they know what options are available.”

VA also worked closely with State Parks to place fliers at rest areas within their jurisdiction as a way to “promote the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors,” according to the same news release.

After rolling out the project in Wyoming, VA plans to continue the initiative in other rural states. n

Wyoming does not shy away when it comes to honoring or helping our nation’s veterans. I-25 is designated the Wyoming Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Highway.

Veterans: Do you need care?

Access your VA team through Video Telehealth with the VA Video Connect app, you can conduct real-time video

appointments with your VA provider. Quickly and easily meet with your VA care team over a secure and private video connection using your smartphone, computer, or tablet.

Find the closest VA location

https://www.va.gov/find-locations

Smartphone Users:

1. Open the Camera app from the

Home Screen, Control Center, or

Lock Screen. 2. Select the rear facing camera. Hold your device so that the QR code appears in the viewfinder in the

Camera app. Your device recognizes the QR code and shows a notification. 3. VATap the notification to open the link associated with the QR code. Telehealth

How do I get started with VA Video Connect?

1. Talk with your VA provider to see if telehealth is a good fit for your care. 2. Learn more at: mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect. 3. For help setting up VA Video connect on your device, call the office of Connected Care Help Desk at 866-651-3180. 4. To test your mobile device with VVC Chatbot, text ‘V’ to 83293 or 323-621-3589. If you are having a Medical OR Mental Health Emergency, please dial 911 or the Veterans Crisis Line for immediate assistance.