Institute:Office of National Coordinator (ONC) Workforce Training Curriculum
Component:Introduction to Health Care and Public Health in the U.S.
Unit:Delivering Health Care - Part 1
Lecture:The Organization of the VA and Military Health Systems
Slide content:Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Overview Department of the federal government Established in 1930 Provides medical care, benefits, social support, memorials Serves veterans and their families For all branches of military service 3
Slide notes:This lecture discusses the organization of government health care services. This first slide gives an overview of the Department of Veterans Affairs, which was established as an independent government agency in 1930. Given veterans sacrifices on behalf of all Americans, the mission of the VA is to ensure that U.S. veterans and their families receive medical care, benefits, social support, and memorials to honor their service. It is estimated that over 21 million U.S. veterans are alive today, so it is not surprising that the VA is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S. Veterans include all individuals who have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. Members of the Reserve or National Guard are also eligible. The spouses, children, and parents of a deceased veteran are also considered family members. 3