American Legion working to bring telehealth to veterans

Ron LaPierre, commander of the American Legion Post 99, is collaborating with state veterans’ services and businesses to bring telehealth to White County’s veterans.

“If we bring telehealth here to our veterans, that is going to save them valuable time and resources while helping them meet their health needs,” LaPierre said.

LaPierre said he visited Post 207, in Van Buren County, which recently began telehealth services for their members.

“I met with the commander, in Spencer, and also watched them install the equipment and set up the program,” he said. “I really, really feel that this is something that will be beneficial for our veterans and is a much-needed service in the area.”

The approximately 1,900 veterans in White County are now having to travel to the Nashville area to access veteran-specific health benefits at a Veterans Administration facility or even do something as simple as fill out paperwork to receive benefits or reach group therapy sessions.

“Sometimes we are driving 80 miles to just fill out some forms and be back on the road headed home after just 20 minutes,” LaPierre explained. “If we get the telehealth program set up, all of that will be able to be done here at the American Legion Building [located on Liberty Square in downtown Sparta].”

LaPierre said a room has already been designated as what he is calling the ‘Virtual Living Room’ on the main floor of the American Legion building. The room

will have a desk with a computer and printer as well as a couch and chairs to give veterans a private, comfortable setting in which to meet a majority of their health needs.

“Once it is all set up, any veteran, whether a Legion member or not, will be able to come to the room, lock the door, type in their password and that will connect them to their doctor,” he explained. “Many of our veterans don’t have a cell phone, or reliable internet, or a computer at home.”

LaPierre said the project is in a holding phase as he waits to see if they have been approved for a grant from Ben Lomand Connect. The grant is a necessary part of the American Legion Post 99 being able to provide telehealth services as it will provide for the computer, printer and WiFi services.

“If we are approved, we hope to have the program installed and running by Thanksgiving,” he added.

LaPierre said he would like to see the telehealth program expand to be able to offer group therapy services in which veterans could meet together and have a counselor, mental health specialist, moderator, or other professional connect through the telehealth software.

“I have submitted the request to Nashville, and now we just have to wait and see if they approve it,” he said.

As for when the room is not in use for telehealth meetings or group sessions, LaPierre said it could serve as a meeting room for Legion members.

Any veteran, whether a member of the American Legion or not, who is interested in accessing the telehealth services once they become available, is encouraged to contact either LaPierre or Matt Elmore, at the Veterans Services Office, in the American Legion Building, or by calling (931) 836-3595.