Reader TTS

Veterans in Abbeville and Greenwood counties now have a new way to access VA care closer to home. ATLAS (Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations) provides secure, private locations

where Veterans can connect with their VA providers through VA Video Connect without worrying about long travel times or unreliable internet access. "ATLAS helps ensure Veterans can keep

their virtual appointments with their providers," said Shannon Johnson, a telehealth program specialist for the Columbia VAHCS. The sites, located at the Abbeville County Library (1407

N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC 29620) and the Greenwood County Veterans Center (106 Main St. N, Greenwood, SC 29646), offer mental health counseling, nutrition services, and pharmacy

consultations in dedicated telehealth rooms equipped with all necessary technology. On-site staff assist Veterans with connecting to their virtual appointments. Appointments take place in

secure, private rooms designed to protect Veterans’ health information. “They receive an appointment link by email, and a phone is available in each room in case of connection issues,”

Johnson explained. Although Veterans have not yet used these new ATLAS sites, they provide a valuable option for those who face transportation challenges. “ATLAS helps prevent Veterans from

rescheduling appointments due to travel issues or lack of internet access at home,” Johnson added. By removing barriers to care, ATLAS ensures that Veterans receive the support they need,

when they need it. As more Veterans take advantage of these sites, the program will continue to fulfill its mission of bringing VA healthcare closer to home. For more information or to

schedule an appointment, visit connectedcare.va.gov/partners/atlas or call (803) 776-4000, EXT. 54222. For more information about what’s going on at the Veterans medical center, clinic

locations and other services available to Veterans in and around Columbia, visit the website https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/ and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and

Instagram, keyword: VAColumbiaSC.