News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Veterans in Van Buren County can take advantage of free telehealth services at the Spencer American Legion Post.
Post Commander Hansel Moore said the need for virtual health in rural areas was always present, but the pandemic has made this a necessity with mental health problems rising.
“With increased isolation and lack of interaction with other people, sometimes those situations are exacerbated,” Moore said. “So not only can our veterans keep in touch with their primary care physicians, but they are also able to keep in touch with their mental health providers, as well.”
Moore said gaining the technology was only possible through a partnership with Ben Lomand Connect. The telecommunication provider pays for the 5G internet and donated the video technology.
“It is a huge health care benefit for veterans,” Moore said. “And, something I think in the next year will really take off and allow them to stay in communication.”
Moore said the post first created the, “Virtual Living Room,” without knowing the increased need was coming.
“During the renovation, we designed an area of the post specifically for the utilization of telehealth,” Moore said. “We planned that about a year ago. I am a registered nurse. I work with veterans, and one of the things, you love being in the country in Van Buren County, but it limits access to healthcare. So, one of the concepts was we were going to develop a telehealth service.”
Moore said the service can also be used by the public to video chat with family members deployed overseas. Offices are located at 158 Spring St, Spencer, TN 38585 and can be reached at (931) 946-0207.
