U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Louisiana pilot initiative to improve access to health care for Veterans
PRESS RELEASE
December 22, 2022
Baton Rouge , LA — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the State of Louisiana have launched a program to keep Veterans connected to their VA health care while they travel to the Pelican State.
The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development posted flyers at welcome centers across the state to help connect veterans to VA resources while they are traveling. The flyers share information about veterans' health care options, including telehealth, the closest VA locations and the Veterans Crisis Line -- empowering Veterans to access care.
"VA health care is a benefit that transfers nationwide," said Fernando Rivera, Medical Center Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. "While traveling to Louisiana, veterans enrolled in VA health care can find care for their routine, urgent or emergency health care needs."
"We want all veterans to know about the care they have earned and deserve by serving our nation. Our collaboration with the State of Louisiana is another tool to make Veterans aware of what's available, when traveling through our great state," said Alexandria VA Health Care System Director Pete Dancy.
VA health care is delivered to veterans in Louisiana at medical centers in Alexandria, New Orleans and Shreveport, and clinics in the following locations.
Baton Rouge
Bogalusa
Franklin
Hammond
Houma
Jennings
Texarkana (Texas)
Lafayette
Lake Charles
Monroe
Nachitoches
Slidell
St. John the Baptist Parish
Longview (Texas)
"The Louisiana Office of Tourism is happy to be part of welcoming Veterans to our state and providing them with valuable information," said Jason Miller, Welcome Center Programs Director.
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