On Jan. 6, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced in a press release that its Digital Divide Consult program has provided internet access or video-enabled devices to over 12,000 veterans in the United States—to include California veterans—in need of telehealth services.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, access to in-person VA health care has been limited. As a result, the VA has urged veterans to take advantage of its telehealth services for minor concerns rather than risk unnecessary exposure. This emphasis proved especially helpful in California last fall, as wildfires and rising infection rates placed even greater strain on in-person medical care in the state.
The VA says that many veterans have adapted to telehealth services becoming the standard for medical care. According to the press release, by November of last year, telehealth visits had increased over 1,600% since the beginning of the pandemic.
However, a significant number of veterans that are homeless, older, or who live in rural communities have not embraced telehealth services—allegedly due to limited access. Recognizing this, the VA launched the Digital Divide Consult program to expand telehealth access to underserved communities.
Veterans who do not readily have internet access and/or an internet-connected device can reach out to VA providers who will put them in contact with a VA social worker. The worker can evaluate a veteran’s needs and determine eligibility for assistance. Devices are free to borrow and internet services can be provided through veterans’ regular cellular carrier or a private telehealth location through the VA’s ATLAS program.
Veterans that are part of the program are able to test the service before they conduct their first medical video visit so they can familiarize themselves with the process.
The VA also says in its press release that it “intends to update the Digital Divide Consult as opportunities for future broadband and device discounts become available.”
The VA has not provided an end date for the Digital Divide Consult program beyond noting that the program will be active at least until the pandemic ends.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.