Veterans' Health Services Programs
What are veterans' health services programs?
Veterans’ health services programs are certain categories of healthcare services offered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), a subdivision of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The goal of these programs is to offer specific services that help veterans maintain optimal mental and physical health and well-being. Some services revolve around traditional medical services, such as providing assistance for blind or handicapped individuals, or those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Others are aimed at ensuring veterans are able to maintain a high quality of life—for example, by providing resources and assistance to homeless veterans, or through offering a hotline for veterans undergoing some sort of crisis, whether that be emotional, physical, or mental.
A full list of veterans’ health services programs can be found on the VA’s official website.
Why are veterans’ health services programs important in healthcare?
Veterans are more likely to develop certain health complications than civilian members of the population. For example, PTSD is more common in veterans than civilians, especially in women veterans. Additionally, veterans may experience lifestyle disruptions when returning from duty, which has the potential to lead to health complications. Veterans’ health services programs, specifically designed for veterans, allow veterans to receive the type of care that they need, often at a cost that is lower than if they were to seek treatment from civilian health resources.