This summer, area veterans will have a new option for health care.
US Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Tracey Mann say they are pleased that a new ATLAS pod will be set up in Emporia to help rural and medically underserved veterans. On KVOE’s Morning Show on Friday, Moran said the clinic will help offset a loss of services after an outpatient clinic closed at 12th and Lawrence three years ago. He also says this will be a benefit to veterans as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Emporia’s American Legion Post No. 5 will host the clinic. Moran says Emporia was the only city in Kansas to get an ATLAS pod.
The Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations program offers free broadband Internet access to Veterans Affairs providers by video. Sites are open to all veterans that are eligible to receive VA services, although those services — which can include primary care, mental health counseling, clinical pharmacy, nutrition services or social work — will be determined by local or area VA offices.
The ATLAS pod will serve in conjunction with the VA’s Community Care program, where veterans can get basic medical services from local non-VA providers and have the VA pay the bill.
The timing for bringing the pod to Emporia is currently pending. Click here for the VA information page.
