LINDSAY — Veterans in Lindsay and surrounding communities now have a new way to connect with Veterans Affairs health care closer to home following the grand opening of a local telehealth site designed to reduce travel burdens and improve access to services.
The VA Central California Healthcare System celebrated the opening of its Lindsay ATLAS site with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by VA leadership, local officials, community partners and veterans.
ATLAS stands for “Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations.” The program provides veterans with a local access point for VA telehealth services, allowing them to connect with their health care teams without always having to travel to a VA medical facility.
For veterans living in Lindsay, Strathmore, Exeter, Porterville and other surrounding communities, the new site offers an alternative to making the one hour-plus drive to the VA Fresno Medical Center.
Froylan Garza, medical center director and CEO of the VA Central California Healthcare System, said the site addresses practical challenges that can make accessing health care difficult, including transportation costs, time away from work and arranging child care.
“The fact is, is that VA cannot do it on its own,” Garza said, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with local organizations to support veterans.
The Lindsay site complements services available through VA medical centers and clinics rather than replacing them, giving veterans another way to remain connected with their health care providers.
Ada Clark, director of the VA’s regional health service area, said geography, transportation, work schedules and family responsibilities can prevent veterans from getting care when they need it.
Clark identified three key benefits of the ATLAS program: reducing geographic and transportation barriers, supporting timely and coordinated care, and strengthening partnerships between the VA and local communities.
The goal, she said, is to make appointments more practical and convenient while helping veterans stay engaged with their health care teams.
Clark also noted VA Central California has expanded its use of ATLAS sites, with the Lindsay opening representing another step in bringing services closer to veterans throughout the region.
The Lindsay-Strathmore Veterans Memorial District played a central role in bringing the facility to the community. VA officials said work on the project had been underway for more than a year.
Rizpah Pablo, chief of Connected Care Service at the VA Central California Healthcare System, thanked the district’s board of directors and staff for their work in making the site possible.
Al Garcia, president of the district’s board of directors, said he was honored to be part of the process and encouraged veterans to take advantage of the district’s facilities and available community services.
During the ceremony, the VA recognized Garcia, Vice President Danny Salinas, Secretary Ramiro Serna and District Secretary Angela Tipton for their contributions to establishing the site.
Local and state representatives also voiced support for the expansion of veterans’ services.
Representatives from the offices of Congressman David Valadao, Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo and State Senator Melissa Hurtado attended the event and presented certificates recognizing the new telehealth service.
Lindsay City Council Member Adriana Nave, speaking on behalf of the mayor, described the opening as a commitment to honoring veterans’ service and ensuring they have access to the care, resources and support they deserve.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers emphasized the ATLAS site represents more than a new facility or a technological resource. It’s intended to strengthen the connection between veterans and the organizations available to support them.
The program is part of the VA’s broader effort to make health care more accessible and responsive to veterans’ needs, particularly those living in rural communities.
VA officials encouraged veterans to learn more about the ATLAS site and speak with their VA health care teams about how telehealth services can support their individual needs.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction prayer by VA Chaplain John-Michael Stovall and a ribbon-cutting and photo opportunity, marking the opening of a new local resource for veterans and their families.