Area veterans have had a chance to use a new option for certain medical needs for over three months, and the Emporia American Legion Post 5 opened its doors to let federal dignitaries and local community members see the new ATLAS pod up close Wednesday.
The 8-foot-by-8-foot enclosed and soundproofed pod is available so veterans can have telemedicine appointments covering a range of topics, including prescriptions, social work, psychology, nutrition and addiction therapy. Post 5 Commander Clay Childs:
Navy veteran Sam Davis has used a similar pod in Washington state after three tours of duty, including time in the Persian Gulf, during a four-year stretch. He enjoys how easy it is to use.
US Senator Jerry Moran helped to push the project forward — including a hand-delivered request to have Emporia as the first Kansas location for a pod.
Kansas House 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber noted the partnerships involved in bringing the ATLAS pod to Emporia.
Philips Senior Director of Government Health Program Development Gil Smith says Philips sees the benefits of work with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and other partners to give veterans the care they need when they need it.
Veterans Administration Eastern Kansas Healthcare System Director Rudy Klopfer agrees.
Emporia has one of less than 20 ATLAS pods installed nationwide. Klopfer anticipates more telehealth services possibly being added to the Emporia pod over time but did not specify what those could be.
