Transportation to VA medical facilities available

Approximately 35.3% of enrolled veterans live in rural and highly rural areas, which can make it difficult to access the high-quality VA medical care they deserve. Although there may be many obstacles prohibiting these Veterans from obtaining medical care, distance and transportation are cited as being the most common. “Highly Rural” is defined as a county with a population of fewer than seven persons per square mile.

Prairie Hills Transit (PHT), Spearfish, SD, has entered into a MOA with the public transportation provider in this area to help. As a sub-contractor, PHT says it is extremely important for everyone to work together to assure our Veterans that access to medical care so we can identify and serve Veterans who would not otherwise be able to obtain medical care through conventional options.

The Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) program, offered through Hot Springs County in Thermopolis, assists veterans in highly rural areas with their transportation needs to and from a VA or VA-authorized medical facilities.

Please call or email Hot Springs County Senior Citizens Center at (307) 864-2151 or hscsr5@live.com with scheduling questions.

If you need additional assistance please feel free to reach out to Prairie Hills Transit at 605-642-6613 or go to their website http://www.prairiehillstransit.org . You can also visit http://www.va.gov/healthbenefits/vtp/highly_rural_transportation_grants.asp.