Outcomes and Lessons Learned from the Tribal Veterans Representative Program: A Model for System Engagement

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health
• Indigenous Health

Background:

• American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans experience significant barriers accessing healthcare and benefits due to rurality.
• The Tribal Veterans Representative (TVR) Program, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and tribal nations, aims to bridge this gap.
• Since 2001, the TVR Program has trained liaisons from tribal communities to facilitate access to VA services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the TVR program model and its essential components for enhancing access to VA services and benefits.
• To report a quantitative assessment of the benefits attained through the TVR program in a specific tribal community.

Main Methods:

• Review of TVR training materials and program evaluations to identify key program components.
• Quantitative assessment of benefits facilitated by a TVR liaison in one tribal community.

Main Results:

• The TVR model involves exchanging 'institutional' and 'community' knowledge during educational programs.
• Trained liaisons leverage support networks to assist community members in accessing healthcare and benefits.
• In one community, a single liaison facilitated access resulting in over $400,000 in annual financial benefits for Veterans.

Conclusions:

• The TVR program demonstrates utility in improving access to VA services for rural American Indian and Alaska Native Veterans.
• The program's strength lies in its long-term support networks, crucial for building trust and engaging target populations.
• Further formal evaluation is recommended to explore the TVR program's broader applicability to other rural populations.