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Meeting Veterans Where They Are with Connected Care

Man in a blue and white shirt using a laptop.
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System offers many options for Connected Care appointments to Veterans.

Western North Carolina VA Health Care System continues to expand its use of telehealth, bringing specialty and primary care directly into Veterans’ homes across the region.

During fiscal year 2025, nearly 71,000 enrolled Veterans engaged in telehealth sessions—including Clinical Video Telehealth, Audiology, Speech Therapy, and Primary Care, among others—showing how virtual care helps Veterans stay better connected to the care they need. 

As part of ongoing initiatives, Veterans may receive hands-on support, technology demonstrations, and one-on-one guidance at monthly Virtual Health Resource Center (VHRC) Pop-Ups in Asheville or during Roadshows at local Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) to help them make the most of VA’s virtual care tools. 

In addition, Connected Care is placing added emphasis on expanding telehealth services through ongoing efforts designed to further increase access, comfort, and confidence with virtual visits.

Building Confidence in Technology

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, the system is prioritizing closing the digital divide for Veterans and caregivers, especially in the westernmost counties.

In collaboration with the facility’s Digital Champion, Rural Health Grant teams, and local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), staff are reaching out across the region to assess technological access, digital literacy, and training needs. Their goal is to help more Veterans gain the skills and confidence to connect with their providers by video rather than traveling long distances for appointments.

Veterans and caregivers are encouraged to consider what would help them feel more comfortable using telehealth — such as updated equipment, refresher training, or personalized tech support.

For more information or assistance, contact:

Virtual Care Options

To further reduce travel barriers and increase options for virtual care, the health care system is developing a network of live telehealth outposts where Veterans can connect privately and securely with their VA providers. These sites offer reliable connectivity and a dedicated space for video visits, supporting Veterans who may lack devices or privacy at home.

“The future of our telehealth outposts is about meeting Veterans where they are,” said Chief Kelly Keinney, from Connected Care Service.  “We are actively targeting the top 10 areas with limited health care access in our region, working to establish outposts in each of those communities so Veterans have a convenient place to connect with their VA care team—no matter their ZIP code.” 

Current Outpost Locations:

  • Watauga County VSO: 126 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite 203, Boone, NC, 28607.
  • Appalachian State University: Leon Levine Hall, 1179 State Farm Road, Suite 132, Boone, NC, 28607.
  • Veterans Healing Farm: 138 Kimzey Rd, Mills River, NC, 28759.

Veterans interested in scheduling a video visit with their provider and reserving time at one of these telehealth outposts can contact Amie Goerlich at Amie.Goerlich@va.gov or call , for assistance. 

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