ARIZONA NEWS

First veterans telehealth site in Arizona opens under Sinema guidance

Mar 18, 2021, 5:09 PM | Updated: Mar 19, 2021, 7:42 am

(Facebook Photo/Senator Kyrsten Sinema)...

(Facebook Photo/Senator Kyrsten Sinema)

(Facebook Photo/Senator Kyrsten Sinema)

PHOENIX — The first telehealth site for veterans is opening in Arizona, an initiative led by U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.

The Project ATLAS telehealth site in Wickenburg provides private spaces with internet access and technology necessary to meet with VA providers through a secure video connection.

“It’s pretty exciting. It means that a veteran that doesn’t have internet access at home — or even if they do — this pod allows for privacy with a connection,” Sinema told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Sinema said she heard from veterans who didn’t have access to meet their health care demands, an issue perpetuated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many Arizona veterans live in rural parts of the state as well, which often led to limited access.

Before the telehealth site, veterans would have to travel to VA medical care facilities in Prescott or Phoenix.

“What we found is that lack of transportation and lack of reliable internet access has really prevented some veterans from getting access to critical health care and it’s only got worse during the pandemic,” Sinema said.

The site was chosen as a pilot location through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Philips North America and the American Legion.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Taylor Kinnerup contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

4 Arizona Cities, Phoenix in top 50 best for singles...

Payne Moses

4 Arizona cities crack top-50 best for singles, Phoenix ranked 23 in study

Valley residents have reason to believe love is possible this holiday season, as four Arizona cities made the top 50 best for singles with Phoenix coming in 23rd.

2 hours ago

Phoenix car collision motorcyclist dead from injuries...

Payne Moses

Motorcyclist dies following north Phoenix car collision

A male motorcyclist died after being struck by a car in north Phoenix on Sunday, authorities said.

2 hours ago

The Arcadian, a new community of upscale town home units, will be opening soon in Phoenix....

David Veenstra

Sales begin at The Arcadian town homes community in Phoenix

The Arcadian, a new community of upscale town home units, will be opening soon in the Valley and will include Juliet balconies and rooftop patios.

4 hours ago

Goodyear shooting...

Payne Moses

Goodyear shooting, hit-and-run leaves 3 in critical condition at large party

Three people were left in critical condition after a Goodyear shooting and hit-and-run on Saturday night, according to authorities.

6 hours ago

SkySong Arizona State University Scottsdale Innovation Center...

Payne Moses

Scottsdale’s SkySong lands Yelp deal, experiences wave of leasing activity

SkySong, the massive Scottsdale mixed use development, recently roped in San Francisco-based tech giant Yelp.

8 hours ago

Teleferic Barcelona, a restaurant birthed in Spain, is bringing its tapas, paellas and cocktails to...

Payne Moses

Spanish restaurant Teleferic Barcelona leases space at Scottsdale Fashion Square

The culinary taste of Spain will be arriving in Arizona next year in the form of Teleferic Barcelona, which signed a lease for space at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

10 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Morris Hall

West Hunsaker, through Morris Hall, supports Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona

KTAR’s Community Spotlight this month focuses on Morris Hall and its commitment to supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Arizona.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

First veterans telehealth site in Arizona opens under Sinema guidance