Asheville – The Veterans Administration offers healthcare for veterans, but it’s not always easy for those facing challenges to reach the Asheville VA Hospital. Additionally, they may simply need to speak with someone to obtain help and information. To address this, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is leading the way in telehealth innovation to ensure veterans can access care when and where they need it. This service is transforming how veterans receive high-quality VA care, whether from home, the clinic, or the hospital.
Veterans Healing Farm Partners With VA
As part of this initiative, Veterans Healing Farm (VHF) is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a VA Health Care Telehealth Outpost. To celebrate the opening of this resource for veterans, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at Veterans Healing Farm, 138 Kimzey Road, Mills River, NC, on February 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Being a TeleHealth Outpost helps our veterans who may have difficulty traveling to Asheville or who lack online capabilities,” said VHF Director Alan Yeck. “They will now be able to come to Veterans Healing Farm for their VA appointments. It’s just another way we can honor our veteran community.”
This initiative is a partnership between the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System and Veterans Healing Farm. The collaboration aims to significantly improve veterans’ access to VA virtual care services in the region.
Making Healthcare Easier for Vets
The newly established telehealth station at VHF features a private appointment room with reliable internet access and technology to facilitate seamless connections between veterans and their VA providers. This station makes it easier for veterans to receive the care they need without barriers related to travel time and internet connectivity issues.
This TeleHealth Outpost is made possible through a grant obtained by a retired VA employee, as well as funding from the VA. The funding helps cover the computer system, some furniture, and offsets online charges.
Veterans Healing Farm is one of the few resources that supports not only veterans but also their families, Gold Star families, and caregivers. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, VHF was founded in 2013 to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s veterans and their families.
Loss Turns Into A Huge Blessing
After losing the site of the original farm when their lease ended, VHF was able to purchase a beautiful property with an existing building through the generosity of local donors. Although donations have decreased due to Helene, they hit the ground running with activities and workshops. Yeck said, “The perspective we keep is that we’re still here while so many folks lost everything. We’re very grateful every day!”
The new farm has opened up many new possibilities, including this new VA telehealth service. Yeck shared, “We started having events and workshops immediately: a chili supper and bonfire, Friendsgiving, a holiday cookie contest with a White Elephant gift exchange, a mead-making workshop taught by a Green Beret, and a Valentine soap and bath salt workshop. They also just finished three days of volunteers painting the inside of the house that serves as their office and command center.” Alan Yeck concluded by saying, “I love this farm!” They hope even more veterans and their families will too.
For more information about VHF, please visit veteranshealingfarm.org or email them at veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com.