Verizon Public Sector Teams Up With Dept. of Veterans Affairs to Provide Broadband for Veterans

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon Public Sector has entered into a CRADA with the VHA IE National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation to provide broadband connectivity to Veterans in remote areas, aiming to improve access to telehealth and wellness programs. This collaboration seeks to bridge the Digital Divide for the nation's veterans.

Agreement with Veterans Health Administration Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) aims to bridge the Digital Divide

WASHINGTON, Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Public Sector today announced it has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), VHA IE National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation (NCCHI) at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS) to help provide broadband connectivity directly to Veterans living in remote areas.

This targeted internet availability will provide VAPAHCS Veterans access to resources that may not otherwise be available, perhaps most notably telehealth and telewellness – areas the VA has identified as high priorities. This groundbreaking project has begun at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, a network known for delivering next-generation healthcare solutions now for Veterans.

“Our goal is to provide the best and most advanced healthcare possible for our Veterans,” said Thomas Osborne, MD, Director of NCCHI. “Some of our rural Veterans may have reduced connectivity because of where they live, which could affect access to virtual care options such as telehealth and wellness programs. However, we are on a journey to change that.”

Verizon’s Network as a Service (NaaS) architecture can help provide the best available connectivity, whether it’s cellular (4G or 5G) or low earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity, to Veterans living in areas with very limited internet availability.

Earlier this year, Verizon Public Sector announced a nine-year expansion of its partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, valued at $448.3M, through which the network provider will supply mobile devices and mission-critical communications systems. Verizon Public Sector also recently equipped VA Palo Alto Health Care System with a full spectrum private 5G network that enables unprecedented pathways to care for its Veterans.

“The objective of this collaboration between Verizon Public Sector and the VA is to help bridge the Digital Divide for our nation’s veterans,” said Maggie Hallbach, Senior Vice President, Verizon Public Sector. “This important partnership and the improved broadband internet availability it will help provide is aimed at ensuring Veterans, regardless of where they live, have access to the widest possible array of health and wellness options.”

For more information about Verizon Public Sector and its relationship with the VA, visit https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/

The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Geoffrey Basye
geoffrey.basye@verizon.com
(202) 748-1882

FAQ

What is the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) between Verizon Public Sector and the VHA IE National Center for Collaborative Healthcare Innovation?

The CRADA aims to provide broadband connectivity to Veterans in remote areas, improving access to telehealth and wellness programs.

What is the objective of the collaboration between Verizon Public Sector and the VA?

The objective is to bridge the Digital Divide for the nation's veterans by ensuring access to a wide array of health and wellness options, regardless of where they live.

What are the recent initiatives by Verizon Public Sector in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Verizon Public Sector recently announced a nine-year expansion of its partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, valued at $448.3M, and equipped VA Palo Alto Health Care System with a full spectrum private 5G network.