VA Telehealth Now Offered At The Library
Starting Monday, May 16, 2022, area Veterans will be able to access Veterans Affairs (VA) Telehealth at the new South Burlington Public Library (SBPL), located at 180 Market St. in South Burlington.
Through a partnership with the White River Junction VA Healthcare System, the library offers a private, comfortable space designated for Veteran use. The space is fully equipped with an iPad that allows easy access to VA Video Connect, the application used by VA for virtual health care appointments. The new space includes medical equipment that may be required for some visits and offers enhanced privacy features. The Library is ADA accessible.
VA Video Connect is a computer application that allows Veterans and their caregivers to meet with VA health care providers quickly and easily through live video on any computer, tablet, or mobile device with an internet connection. Video encryption provides security and privacy. Virtual care offers convenience by eliminating the need for driving to appointments.
Veterans who need assistance using Video Connect can inform VA Telehealth staff when making their appointment and reserving the room. Volunteers from Vermont Veterans Outreach Program are available to meet the Veteran at the Library and help them to sign into their appointment, with advanced notice. All volunteers assisting with this program are fellow Veterans.
The Library will be introducing Andre Wing, Program Manager with the Veteran’s Outreach Program, for a talk on May 17, 2022 at 6:00 PM. Mr. Wing served for 25 years in the US Army, VT Army and Air National Guard. His presentation will describe the valuable resources available to Vets and their loved ones through the outreach program, which is available to members of all branches of service of all eras. Everyone knows a Veteran; everyone is welcome to attend.
“Partnerships with organizations like the South Burlington Public Library across Vermont and New Hampshire are an important component in offering care to Veterans closer to where they live,” said Dr. Daniel O’Rourke, Chief of Staff at White River Junction VA Healthcare System.
Equipment for the project is funded by the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, under Cooperative Agreement Number UG4LM012347 with the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester and TeleHealth Access for Seniors. Through collaboration between the White River Junction VA Healthcare System and the SBPL, a Technology grant was awarded from the National Library of Medicine, Region 8 that supports the program and also makes up-to-date health books available to borrow.
Veterans currently receiving VA healthcare are welcome to obtain more information about VA Telehealth and use of the room by contacting the VA Telehealth Office at (802) 295-9363 Ext. 6556, or by asking their VA provider about this option.