Challenge
A challenge faced by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Capitol Health Care Network is providing transportation for rural Veterans to get to VA facilities that are often located far from Veterans’ homes.
Solution
To solve this challenge, Atlas Research performed an analysis of the transportation needs of Veterans within the Network’s catchment area, and helped conceptualize an initiative to offer new transportation services to rural Veterans who might struggle to visit distant clinics and facilities.
Result
Van and shuttle services were introduced, providing Veterans with access to the Martinsburg, WV; Baltimore, MD; and Perry Point, MD, VA Medical Centers from their homes in rural communities. The shuttles help Veterans living far from these facilities get to their appointments faster and more safely. Previous VA transportation capabilities were limited not only in how many Veterans they could serve, but also in the ability to accommodate Veterans with special medical needs, like those who use wheelchairs or require oxygen equipment.