Missoula State VA office cuts back rural outreach effort

There is what the Department of Veterans Affairs does on a national level and then there is what the states do. This is one of those cases.

Missoula VA office cuts back rural outreach effort
Missoulian
Martin Kidston
September 27, 2014

“We’re advertising the position, but since it’s a state job, the hiring process is very slow,” Blanche said. “We were able to do our outreach for September, but we’re giving vets notice about October. I’m hoping to have a position filled by the end of the year.”

A lack of staffing at an outreach program operated by the Montana Veterans Affairs Division has prompted the Missoula office to scale back its rural outreach efforts until the issue is resolved.

Roxanne Blanche, the regional services officer for the Montana VA’s Missoula office, said she is now the only employee available to meet veterans across a large western swath of the state.

“What we’re doing is asking vets to give us a call and file for medical benefits,” said Blanche. “Since I don’t have the staffing, those vets in outlying areas, if they live too far away, will have to schedule a phone appointment.” The number to call is 542-2501.
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