“The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing a national digital divide consult as a part of its efforts to ensure that veterans without broadband connectivity can access necessary telehealth services, an agency official confirmed at a July 29 Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing.”
“In his opening remarks, committee Chairman Jerry Moran, R-Kan., raised concerns about the digital divide preventing veterans from accessing virtual services through the agency’s VA Video Connect platform.”
“’The limitations of telehealth are also amplified for those living in rural America or Indian Country,’ he said. ‘VA Video Connect only works when you have a broadband connection at a certain speed. In many parts of our country, that reliable broadband service simply isn’t an option…’”
“Sen. Moran commended that effort, explaining that rural and tribal veterans often face both geographic and broadband barriers to accessing care. ‘I applaud the VA’s outside-of-the-box thinking with regard to creative partnerships with the private sector and VSO [veteran service officer] community, and the distribution of wireless devices to isolated veterans,’ he said.”
“Matthews also announced that VA is implementing a national digital divide consult to continue tackling the connectivity barrier…” Read the full article here.
Source: VA Launching Digital Divide Consult to Help Veterans Access Telehealth Services – By Katie Malone, July 29, 2020. MeriTalk.
