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North Central Indiana Vet Center Initiative Moves Into Telehealth Outreach Phase
The North Central Indiana Regional Vet Center initiative is moving into its next practical phase: connecting eligible veterans with Vet Center telehealth services that are already available.
The feasibility assessment identified a significant access gap across North Central Indiana, particularly for veterans who must travel long distances to reach an existing Vet Center. While work continues with the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Service on possible expanded access in the region, veterans do not have to wait to begin receiving services.
The Fort Wayne Vet Center is currently able to provide telehealth appointments to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying family members throughout its service area.
Why Telehealth Registration Matters
This outreach effort has two purposes.
First, it connects veterans with confidential Vet Center counseling and readjustment services now, without requiring them to make a long drive for every appointment.
Second, registration and actual use of telehealth services help demonstrate the level of demand that exists across North Central Indiana. That information can help the VA understand where veterans are seeking services and what level of access may be needed in the region.
This is not simply about collecting names. Veterans who need Vet Center services are encouraged to register, schedule an appointment, and use the services available to them.
The more accurately the VA can see the demand coming from communities across North Central Indiana, the better the information available when future service levels and access options are considered.
Community Access Point Discussions Continue
At the same time, the Readjustment Counseling Service has begun working through the process of establishing a potential Vet Center Community Access Point at the DAV Chapter 28 office in Kokomo.
That process is still being coordinated with the Fort Wayne Vet Center and RCS leadership. No permanent schedule or level of in-person staffing has been announced.
For that reason, our immediate focus is telehealth outreach.
If an in-person Community Access Point moves forward, outreach concerning its schedule and services will be coordinated with the Vet Center once those details are finalized.
Veterans Can Take the Next Step Now
Veterans interested in Vet Center counseling or telehealth services can contact the:
Fort Wayne Vet Center
3810 Coldwater Road
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Vet Centers provide confidential counseling and support that can include individual and group counseling, family and marriage counseling, readjustment counseling, military sexual trauma services, bereavement counseling, and other services for eligible veterans, service members, and families.
For veterans in North Central Indiana who have believed a Vet Center was simply too far away, telehealth provides a way to begin receiving support now.
This step is also important to the broader North Central Indiana Regional Vet Center initiative. The feasibility assessment documented the geographic access problem. The next step is making sure veterans who need these services are actually connected with them so the need in this region can be clearly demonstrated.
If you need Vet Center services, call the Fort Wayne Vet Center at 260-460-1456 and ask about telehealth registration.
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