The Shadow
Alleghany Highlands Community Services hosted John L. Newby II, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and his staff on Thursday, April 4, at their clinic.
In his senior executive role, Newby leads an 800-member agency located across more than 40 Virginia locations; delivering employment, education, benefits, behavioral health and long term health care services to Virginia’s reservists, guardsmen, transitioning service members and 725,000-plus veterans.
The purpose of his visit was to learn more about the joint telepsych program, which involves the Salem VA Medical Center, Alleghany Highlands Community Services and the Virginia Veteran and Family Supports program.
The continuing objective of the program is to make telepsychiatry available in the AHCS medical clinic to all veterans in our catchment area.
The consultations will increase the quality and timeliness of triage, assessment and initial treatment of patients and reduce the number of veterans who have to travel to the Salem VA Medical Center for psychiatric services, thus realizing financial savings for veterans being seen in the Alleghany Highlands.
Currently over 2,600 veterans reside in Alleghany County. In order to receive psychiatric care they must travel to the Salem VA Medical Center, which can be difficult because of travel and the widespread service area.
“During these tough economic times, allowing more efficient, accessible and available care is a must for all individuals,”said Ingrid Barber, Alleghany Highlands Community Services executive director. “Our veterans deserve the best care possible, and it is our responsibility to work together with stakeholders to make this happen.”
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HOSTS VISITOR — Alleghany Highlands Community Services hosted John L. Newby II, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and his staff on Thursday, April 4. From left: Thomas Herthel, benefits director; Craig McCarty, western regional benefits director; Kristi Holt, western region senior resource specialist; Leanna Craig, VVFS western regional director; Carol Berg, VVFS director; Ingrid Barber, AHCS executive director; Sandor Asboth, western region veteran justice specialist; Newby. (AHCS Photo)
