For veterans: Drivers needed to aid veterans getting to medical appointments
Drivers needed! There are 7,115 veterans in Monroe County, and 2,189 of them get at least some part of their health care through the VA health care system. Medical appointments may be either at the VA clinics in Bloomington or, for more specialized care, at the VA hospital in Indianapolis. Many of these veterans require assistance getting to and from their appointments in Indianapolis — this is where you and I can help! This is a great opportunity for folks to jump in and volunteer as a driver or volunteer coordinator, either routinely or on occasion.
We’re lucky in Monroe County because we have two vehicles provided by DAV (the Disabled American Veterans service organization) to transport our veterans. We have also enjoyed years of service by several truly giving and dedicated volunteer drivers. Recently, we learned that our volunteer coordinator and one of our main drivers will each not be able to continue in their current capacity. I want to pass along my heartfelt gratitude to these two incredible volunteers —Thank you, Ken and Tom; I am grateful for your service to the veterans of Monroe County.
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It is important to mention that there isn’t going to be any interruption in transportation services. Veterans who need a ride to their VA medical appointment can still get one. All that is required is for the veteran to tell the VA appointment scheduler they need a ride at the time of scheduling. The VA has a vast volunteer driver program statewide, and the VA will dispatch a car to pick up the veteran.
To become a volunteer driver or coordinator, there are a few steps to complete. First, go to www.cdceportal@va.gov to sign up. Soon after, a VA transportation specialist will reach out to you to schedule a physical and background check. Finally, you will attend volunteer training in Indianapolis at the Roudebush Hospital. After those few steps, you will be able to volunteer to drive at your availability.
If you are a Monroe County, Indiana resident and need assistance filing a VA disability claim or if you have questions about federal, state or local veterans benefits, please reach out to my office. Steven Miller, Monroe County Veteran Service Officer at 812-349-2537 or smiller@co.monroe.in.us.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Help needed for Monroe County veterans getting to medical appointments
