On April 18, the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on access to health care for rural veterans.
Chair Michael Michaud (D-ME) stated, “VA [Department of Veterans Affairs] care can be second to none. Unfortunately the quality of care is not always the same throughout the VA system, and for many veterans living in rural states like Maine, accessing that care is a significant challenge.”
After detailing health care access points for rural veterans, National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Rural Health Policy Board Chair Andy Behrman stressed the increasing number of rural women veterans: “Currently women make up approximately 15 percent of the active military force. Thirty-seven percent of these women are African American. These women serve in all branches of the military, and are eligible for assignment in most military occupational specialties except for direct combat roles. The highest number of women in history to serve in a war zone is currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our nation is also seeing the highest numbers in history of female wounded and war casualties. According to the Center for Women Veterans, by the year 2010, the women veteran population is projected to be over 10 percent of the total veteran population.” He added, “The VA is beginning to address changes needed to serve an increased female veteran population, but more can be done. Targeted and culturally competent care for today’s women veterans is needed.”
Mr. Behrman also highlighted the important role of veterans’ families: “Our returning veterans adjusting to disabilities and the stresses of combat need the security and support of their families in making their transitions back into civilian life and to manage life style changes due to disabling conditions. The Vet Centers do a tremendous job in assisting veterans with this readjustment, but the demand for services is too great for current funding levels. The NRHA supports increases in funding for counseling services for veterans’ families and significant others.”
Department of Veterans Affairs Acting Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Health Gerald Cross, outlined VA health care initiatives for rural veterans, including mental health services. He applauded the success of telemental health programs for veterans with PTSD and those with substance abuse problems: “Already, in the first quarter of fiscal year 2007, over 8,000 patients have received care via telemental health. Current projections are that VA will provide care in this manner to over 30,000 veterans during fiscal year 2007.” Regarding homeless veterans, Dr. Cross said that the VA Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem (GPD) Program “has funded more than 75 projects that are in rural locations” and GPD grants are expected to “support or create over 1,200 transitional housing beds for homeless veterans.” To increase counseling services for veterans and their families, Dr. Cross said that the VA will expand the Vet Center program; 23 percent of the new centers will be in rural areas.
Also testifying were Marcia Brand, associate administrator, Rural Health Policy, Health Resources and Services Administration; Adrian Atizado, assistant national legislative director, Disabled American Veterans; and Shannon Middleton, deputy director for health, The American Legion.
