Serving those who served us is a tremendous honor and one of great importance, especially in rural areas like the U.P., where we have particularly high numbers of veterans living in our communities. Jim Yates, Project Director for the I REACH program at the Michigan Center for Rural Health, knows well the importance of creating strong connections between veterans, healthcare providers, and community resources to improve veteran health through better access to care. When asked about what drew him to this field, Jim shared a deep connection to the mission: "I enjoy helping veterans and their families understand and connect with benefits and resources that can help improve their health and quality of life.”
The sense of purpose in his work is clear. Helping veterans navigate the complexities of healthcare eligibility, enrollment, and the process of retrieving military service documents, all work that Jim is directly involved in as part of the I-REACH program, is vital to ensuring that veterans are receiving the care they deserve. Jim's dedication is evident in his efforts to educate veterans about the importance of sharing their military experiences with healthcare providers, as these details can significantly affect their access to care.
Helping Veterans Access Care and Resources
As the I-REACH Project Director, Jim's role involves a wide array of services that directly impact the lives of veterans across the Upper Peninsula. The I-REACH team conducts outreach by organizing and participating in resource fairs and helps connect veterans with critical programs like the U.P. Together With Veterans suicide prevention initiative. They also focus on encouraging health care providers and facilities to join the VA Community Care Network to enhance access to care for veterans. Finally, I-REACH offers best practices and culturally relevant materials to reduce stigma and shares information about other agency programs such as the Veterans Community Action Team (VCAT), the Governor’s Challenge, and the Veteran Connector program.
A key element of the I-REACH program is its focus on reducing barriers to healthcare access. Jim and his team gather valuable data and feedback from veterans, caregivers, and health providers to identify opportunities for improvement. This feedback is crucial to offering better training, support, and solutions to improve access for veterans to both VA and non-VA health services, especially for those living in rural areas.
Overcoming Barriers in Rural Areas
One of the most significant challenges Jim faces in improving access to care for U.P. veterans is a lack of awareness and understanding of available care options. Navigating the complex web of eligibility, resources, and documentation can be overwhelming and discouraging for everyone involved. This can deter not only veterans but also their families and healthcare providers from accessing the resources and care former military members and their families have earned and deserve, thereby further deepening the gap in care.
Despite these hurdles, Jim is hopeful. He believes that with increased knowledge and care in the community, we can make significant strides in improving veterans’ health. Ensuring that community providers have the knowledge and resources to deliver the best care to their veteran patients is an ongoing and worthwhile endeavor necessary to ensuring the best outcomes. Rather than debating whether veterans should receive care from community providers or the VA, Jim emphasizes the importance of leveraging both resources to meet veterans' comprehensive health needs. As a community, we need to move past the question of which system should be used, and instead focus on how we can integrate both community and VA services to meet veterans' needs effectively.
Common Misconceptions About Veteran Health
When it comes to misconceptions about veteran healthcare, Jim is quick to point out that many veterans—especially those in rural areas—receive care outside of the VA system. Many veterans use a combination of VA and VA-referred community care, and some rely entirely on community care. It’s important to remember that not all veterans are eligible for VA healthcare, although changes to legislation within the past two years have made more veterans eligible. These nuances in healthcare eligibility are critical for both veterans and providers to understand to ensure that comprehensive health needs are being met.
How the Community Can Help
The broader community also has a role to play in supporting veterans in their region. "If community members want to help veterans, the first step is identifying those who have served in the military," he explains. "Once identified, assisting them through the process of accessing resources and benefits can make all the difference." Jim also wants to encourage veterans to advocate for themselves by sharing their military experience with their provider. Jim encourages individuals to reach out, offer support, and help veterans navigate what can be a daunting process. For those looking for resources, the Michigan Center for Rural Health Veteran Health Webpage has resources for both veterans and providers.
Collaboration with Northern Michigan University
The I-REACH program’s partnership with the Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health is another valuable asset to the work being done in the Upper Peninsula. The partnership with NMUCRH provides Jim with local connections that he may not otherwise have from the MCRH office in Lansing. This collaboration strengthens the overall support network available to veterans in the region.
Moving Forward: Continuous Change and Support
As Jim points out, changes in VA eligibility are ongoing. He strongly recommends that veterans check in with an Accredited Veteran Service Officer at least once a year to stay up-to-date on their benefits and eligibility. For healthcare providers, Jim emphasizes that systems, procedures, and third-party administrators continue to improve and touts the importance of staying connected with the VA and utilizing the dedicated staff at VA Medical Centers who focus on care in the community.
Moreover, the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center, which is ranked as the top VA Medical Centers in the nation, is an incredible resource for veterans in the Upper Peninsula. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding facility in our region.
Conclusion: A Community United for Veterans
Jim Yates's work through the I-REACH program exemplifies the deep commitment to improving veterans’ healthcare in rural areas. His passion for helping veterans navigate the complexities of healthcare and connecting them to the right resources is not only changing lives but also strengthening communities across the Upper Peninsula. As we continue to support those who have served, it’s important to remember that care for veterans is a shared responsibility between veterans, their families, healthcare providers, community members, and local organizations. Together, we can ensure that veterans and those closest to them receive the care, respect, and resources they deserve.
To get in touch with Jim Yates or learn more about the I-REACH program, you can reach him at yatesja1@msu.edu or (906) 869-2559.
The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health seeks to improve the health and well-being of Upper Peninsula residents and communities by developing collaborative partnerships that enhance the access and availability of affordable, quality healthcare services. For questions or comments related to this story, contact ruralhealth@nmu.edu.