Thanks to speedy county commissioner action, along with an on-the-ball veteran services representative, Haywood County is set to become the first place in the nation where veterans can expedite their initial appointment at a veterans medical center.

The program is part of the VA Medical Center’s Rural Health Initiative to increase healthcare access and health education for veterans. As part of the partnership, the Haywood County health department will provide one examination room and one interview room where a representative from the Charles George Veteran Affairs Medical Center in the Oteen area of Buncombe County can assess the  health needs of area veterans.

Brandon Wilson, Haywood County's veterans service officer, expects it to be the first of several health access and education ...