Getting Connected to Veterans’ Resources in Genesee County

Did you know nearly 27,000 veterans call Genesee County home? Many of these veterans come to the Genesee Health Plan for assistance and help navigating the health care system. We often find veterans are unsure of what health care services and additional resources they qualify for and where to go for help.

“There are thousands of veterans in Genesee County who don’t know about the local health care resources and veterans’ programs that are available to them, or even where to go for more information,” said Ascension Mid-Michigan Vice President of Business Development Nick Evans. “Working in partnership with Genesee Health Plan, we help veterans get connected to these vital resources and services in our community. We are committed to making sure all men and women who have bravely served our country have access to quality health care so they can live healthy and happy lives.”

If you or someone you know is a veteran looking to get connected to health care services, community resources or other programs in the area, check out the resources below:

1. Genesee County Department of Veterans Services
The Genesee County Department of Veterans Services helps veterans get connected to benefits including compensation for service-related disabilities, pension for veterans with non-service-connected disabilities, health care enrollment, medical benefits, military records and much more. The department also has veteran service officers on staff who help veterans get connected to these services. Learn more by calling (810) 257-3068.

2. Flint Community Based Outpatient Clinic
The Department of Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) located at 2360 S. Linden Rd. in Flint is a primary care clinic that offers bloodwork, EKGs and x-rays for patients. The clinic operates by appointment only. All new patients may call (810) 720-2913 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

3. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System offers a number of health care programs and resources including primary care, mental health services, specialty care and health education resources. For more information, call (800) 361-8387 or (734) 769-7100, or visit their website at annarbor.va.gov/index.asp.

4. Transportation
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) provides free transportation to VA medical facilities, including the Saginaw VA Medical Center (Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center) and the VA Ann Arbor Health System. Genesee County veterans can call DAV, Chapter #3 at (810) 742-9220 to schedule a ride. Pick-up points for transportation are at the DAV Hall Chapter 3 located on 4270 E. Bristol Rd. in Burton and the Capitol Coney Island on 4021 Van Slyke Rd. in Flint. The DAV recommends veterans schedule their ride as soon as they schedule their appointment.

Veterans may also apply for bus transportation through the Soldiers Relief Commission or the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. Through these programs, veterans can apply for a number of other benefits, such as housing and food assistance. Click here for more information.

5. Call a Veteran Navigator
Not sure where to even start the search for veterans programs and services? Genesee County residents are encouraged to call a Veteran Navigator through the Genesee County Department of Veterans Services at (810) 257-3068. Saginaw County residents can call a Veteran Navigator at (989) 907-7574 or at (989) 907-8061. Veterans can also visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at va.gov for more information about assistance.

6. Other community resources
There are a number of resources in our community that provide help for individuals who need access to other services including food assistance, housing and more. The Michigan Dental Association provides a list of resources and programs for veterans in need of dental care. If you are a senior, visit the Genesee County Commission on Aging’s website for a full list of resources for senior veterans in the area. Seniors can also connect with the Valley Area Agency on Aging for resources like Meals on Wheels.

In addition to these resources, Ascension Mid-Michigan offers care for veterans who are enrolled through Veteran’s Choice. If a veteran has experienced wait times in excess of 30 days or has to travel farther than 40 miles from their home to a VA facility, they can receive care through Ascension Mid-Michigan.

If a veteran is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, they can call the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255 and press option 1, or text 838255 to receive confidential support services. They can also click here to be directed to the Veterans Crisis website.

“TheSimpleDollar.com” provides a guide to military travel discounts, you can visit the page by clicking here.

As always, the Genesee Health Plan and our community partners are here to help Genesee County residents get connected to health care programs and resources in the area. To learn more about veterans programs in Genesee County, watch our latest WNEM TV5 Health Yes segment with Nick Evans, or listen to our GHP Healthy Minute segment on veterans’ resources.