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IRON MOUNTAIN -- The Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center will begin offering free monthly VA 101 classes Oct. 26 to help veterans learn about the benefits, health care programs and other services available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The classes will be held from 5-6 p.m. on the last Monday of each month in the medical center's second-floor waiting room. All veterans are welcome, and registration is not required.
"Veterans will learn something new about VA benefits and services," said Tim Ellison, public affairs officer.
VA 101 will provide an introduction to the programs and services offered through the medical center, which serves veterans in more than 24 counties across the Upper Peninsula and northern Wisconsin. The service area spans nearly 26,000 square miles, most of which is rural or highly rural.
Topics will include the VA's organizational structure, primary care through Patient Aligned Care Teams, specialty care and services for older veterans. Participants also will learn about home health aide services, adult day health care, hospice and palliative care and Home Based Primary Care.
Additional topics will include cardiology, oncology, dermatology and audiology services; the Women Veterans Program; pharmacy services, prescription refills and medications by mail; and the Caregiver Support Program.
The classes also will cover behavioral health and suicide prevention resources, health care and housing assistance for veterans experiencing homelessness, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing program.
Other subjects include the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, travel benefits and reimbursement for medical appointments, Vet Centers, Veteran Readiness and Employment services, and emergency and urgent care benefits.
Organizers said the sessions are intended to be informal and conversational, giving veterans an opportunity to ask questions and share their experiences while learning about resources that may be available to them.
Veterans seeking more information about the classes can contact the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center Public Affairs Office at 800-215-8262, extension 32001, or 906-774-3300, extension 32001.