Beginning Jan. 14, newly-enrolled veterans in Haywood County and the seven western counties can receive their initial health screening for Veterans Administration benefits at the Haywood County Health Department, instead of driving to Asheville.

On Monday, Jan. 7, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Haywood County Health Department and the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville for health department clinic space to be used for the initial vesting appointment for new veterans.

By approving the MOU, Haywood County becomes the first county in the nation to roll out this type of partnership, which is part of the VA Medical Center’s Rural Health Initiative to increase healthcare access and health education for veterans. Brandon ...