The command post defends the ATLAS site as the future of healthcare

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In 2019, the first ATLAS site opened in Eureka, MT at Foreign War Veterans extension 6786. Veteran Richard Weldon, station commander, was unsure at first what to expect from the futuristic new video tour space.

Extension 6786 is one of 11 ATLAS (Telehealth Access Via Local Stations) sites nationwide. ATLAS sites offer veterans a comfortable and private meeting space with high-speed Internet to meet their AV providers virtually via video.

Within extension 6786 is a state-of-the-art ATLAS module that was co-created by the VA Office of Connected Care, Philips North America, the VA and VFW Center for Strategic Partnerships, as well as veterans and residents of Eureka.

This process involved role plays, models and innovative design to address accessibility, privacy and comfort. The result: a meeting space specially designed for the veteran experience.

“When I first heard of ATLAS, it seemed like an exciting prospect,” said Weldon. “As I watched the ATLAS capsule come to life, it became clear how transformative this could be for Eureka veterans. “

Quality care near you

Eureka was chosen as the first location, as there is a large concentration of ex-combatants – around 500 – living in the rural area. Veterans living in rural areas like Eureka face challenges in receiving healthcare, such as long trips to facilities or limited internet connectivity.

Pods are private with advanced features and access to VA Video Connect.

Prior to ATLAS, many veterans in and around Eureka had to travel over 70 miles to the nearest VA clinic or over 250 miles to the Montana VA health care system at Fort Harrison.

Now Eureka veterans can receive the same high-quality care without the long travel times.

“We live four and a half hours from the nearest VA hospital,” Weldon said. “Any way to lighten that commute is welcome and ATLAS offers just that. It’s exciting for the job.

Pod is private with advanced features

Some Eureka veterans were initially skeptical of the new technology on the ATLAS site and did not know what a video tour would look like for them. Some of them wondered if a video date could be as effective as meeting their VA providers in person.

But since they were using the pod, they were pleasantly surprised. Modules are private and include advanced features, such as environmental controls, high-speed internet connection, and access to VA Video Connect, VA’s secure video conferencing application.

Veterans connect to their VA providers in person in space, as if they were meeting in person, for primary care visits, mental health counseling, nutrition services, social work visits and Moreover.

The real experience

Weldon, who had never had a video date, was one of the first to try the ATLAS site. After using it, he knew it would become an essential part of his VA medical care.

“Everyone was extremely impressed with the pod,” he added. “Those who have used it, including myself, could not be happier with it. The ATLAS site offers the same level of care and privacy that I expect from VA. I can see the capsule is my usual health care provider. “

ATLAS also offers mental health support, which Weldon considers essential to care. To encourage the use of the ATLAS site for mental health counseling, Post 6786 has implemented a private entrance into the space to maintain confidentiality and allay any privacy concerns.

A vision for the future of healthcare

The Eureka ATLAS site is a glimpse into the future of healthcare, providing better accessibility and personalized care to veterans in rural areas. Now Weldon wants to spread the word so that more veterans in the community will use the site.

“If the Pod helps prevent suicide, if it gives a veteran what they need right now, ATLAS’s whole effort is worth it. “

For more information, visit the ATLAS web page.

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