The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has partnered with the State of Kansas to launch a new program that connects Veterans in rural areas with telehealth and mental health resources.

The Kansas Department of Transportation posted flyers at rest areas across the state to help connect Veterans to VA resources while they are traveling. The flyers share information about Veterans’ telehealth options, the closest VA location, and the Veterans Crisis Line.

VA collaborated with the State of Kansas because of its vast highway system.  Kansas maintains more than 10,290 miles of state highways and more than 142,000 total miles of roads, streets, and highways.

KDOT and VA are working to provide information at 36+ designated Rest Areas, Information Centers, Visitors Centers, and other managed publicly accessible properties under KDOT’s purview.

With over 40% of Veterans enrolled for health care with Dole VA living in rural areas and many traveling by rest areas routinely for work or recreation, the campaign aims to help connect those Veterans with VA resources and maintain their continuity of care within the VA health care system.