Rural Veterans, Service Members and Families
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The Washington State Office of Rural Health is dedicated to improving healthcare access for veterans and their families in rural communities. We collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs to enhance veteran care through training, resources, and initiatives. Our efforts focus on increasing awareness of available healthcare services, expanding access to benefits, and providing tools to help rural providers deliver culturally competent care tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Together, we strive to ensure that those who have served our nation receive the support and care they deserve.
Care Coordination and Access
How to Become a VA Community Care Provider
To partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provide care to veterans, community providers must join VA’s community provider network and read How to Become a VA Community Care Provider (PDF). The Community Care Network is VA’s direct link with community providers to ensure veterans receive timely, high-quality care.
VA Telehealth Services
Telehealth innovation helps to make sure veterans can access care when and where they need it. VA Telehealth Services is transforming how veterans access high-quality VA care.
Eligibility for VA Healthcare Benefits
Access detailed information to help your patients determine their eligibility for VA healthcare and other benefits. This includes guidelines, required documentation, and application processes to assist veterans and their families.
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Veterans Whole Health Model
The VA’s Whole Health model focuses on holistic care that integrates mental, physical, and emotional health for veterans and their families.
Washington Department of Veteran Affairs Counseling Program
A unique, no cost, clinical outpatient program provides confidential counseling services (PDF) to people who have served in the United States military and their family members. Licensed mental health professionals in communities across the state offer a range of specialized treatment services and linkages to other services. Some providers are veterans, and all are trained to be military and veteran culturally competent.
PsychArmour Institute
Free, on-demand courses offered by PsychArmour Institute are designed to help health care professionals and others better understand and address veteran mental health needs.
WDVA Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Equip your healthcare facility with tools to prevent veteran suicide. This comprehensive toolkit from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs offers guidance, training, and resources to help providers recognize and respond to suicide risk among veterans and their families.
988 Veterans Crisis Line
A resource for healthcare providers to support veterans in crisis. Learn how to connect veterans and their families to the 988 Veterans Crisis Line for immediate, confidential assistance, including phone, text, and chat options.
Resources for Providers
U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs Provider Resources
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers extensive resources for health care providers, including clinical tools, self-assessment guides, and insights into military culture that are invaluable to providers who are new to veteran care.
- Military Culture Self-Awareness Exercise
- Culturally Competent Behaviors Checklist (PDF)
- Cultural Vital Signs Checklist (PDF)
VHA TRAIN Learning Network
A training gateway that supports the professional development needs of public health and health care providers, with a focus on veteran patient care.
Military Culture Course Modules
Developed by the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, this four-module training on military culture provides healthcare professionals with the core competencies of understanding military culture and a deeper understanding of their veteran patients.
Veteran Readjustment Handbook
A guide written for veterans, yet insightful for healthcare providers (PDF) to give better support to veterans transitioning to civilian life. This handbook offers insight into common challenges, strategies for effective communication, and resources to assist veterans and their families during the readjustment process.
Training and Educational Opportunities
WDVA Serving Those Who Served Conference
A two-day annual conference is designed to enhance collaboration among professionals who support veterans and their families. It serves as a hub for sharing knowledge and resources, with a focus on practical solutions and impactful discussions.
LEARN Suicide Prevention
Forefront’s LEARN Saves Lives for Veterans training, delivered by Veteran Peer Support Specialists, offers perspective on the unique challenges veterans and their families face and teaches essential skills for support and suicide prevention This training is offered in-person and virtually. Those who are interested in hosting a virtual or in-person training for their community or organization should complete this online form. The two-hour training will be offered virtually several times per year through the WDVA and WA-SORH partnership.