Denis R. McDonough Secretary of Veterans Affairs | Official website
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense have joined forces to expand healthcare access for Veterans and service members in New York. The collaboration aims to provide care for enrolled Veterans, soldiers, cadets, and other beneficiaries at the Keller Army Community Hospital (KACH) on the West Point Army Installation and at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System.
Under this partnership, enrolled Veterans can now receive mammograms and orthopedic care from KACH providers, as well as surgical services from VA surgeons at Keller Army Community Hospital. Additionally, access to specialty care, virtual traumatic brain injury care, and inpatient behavioral care has been extended to soldiers, cadets, and other beneficiaries at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System.
"This partnership will help make sure that New York Veterans have access to world-class health care close to home," stated VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, M.D., emphasizing the importance of bringing quality healthcare services to Veterans in convenient locations.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Lester Martínez-López, M.D., highlighted the collaborative effort between DOD and VA, stating, “DOD and VA are teammates, each working to enhance health care delivery for our beneficiaries.”
The partnership between the VA and DOD in New York is part of a broader initiative to modernize the VA health care system nationwide through strategic partnerships. This collaboration is the first of its kind in New York and represents one of many partnerships across the country aimed at expanding access to care for Veterans.
With VA Hudson Valley Health Care System serving 24,000 Veterans annually in the Hudson Valley and beyond, the importance of reaching Veterans in diverse geographic regions, including rural areas, is paramount. The partnership not only benefits Veterans in need of care but also supports medical professionals in maintaining their clinical readiness skills.
In a similar effort to increase access to healthcare, VA and DOD have previously established partnerships in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pensacola, Florida, demonstrating a commitment to providing world-class care to Veterans across different regions.
As VA continues its mission to bring new Veterans into its care, the organization remains dedicated to delivering the best and most affordable healthcare for Veterans, as proven by various studies and patient satisfaction metrics.
For more information on VA health care for Veterans in Hudson Valley, visit VA Hudson Valley Health Care System.
