Health care where you need it
At St. Charles Health System, we’re dedicated to providing military Veterans and their families with resources, support and advocacy for optimal mental and physical well-being.
With 22,000 Veterans residing in Central Oregon -- and the nearest VA hospital hours away by car and over a mountain pass -- St. Charles is the preferred medical provider for Veterans seeking cancer, cardiology and/or emergency care closer to home.
Plus, Veterans and their families who are eligible for TriCare health benefits can choose St. Charles providers for their health care needs.
Know your benefits
During a medical emergency, Veterans can seek care at any of our four St. Charles hospital locations (via ambulance or emergency department) without advance approval from the VA. However, Veterans MUST notify the VA within 72 hours of admission to ensure the emergency care received is covered by your benefits.
The care you need, close to home
As part of the Veterans Community Care program, Veterans have the opportunity to seek medical care in their community under certain criteria.
Due to the onerous burden of traveling hours by car over a mountain pass to a VA hospital, Central Oregon Veterans facing a cancer or heart/lung disease diagnosis can -- with prior authorization -- receive the highest quality cancer and heart care right here at home.
For example, Veterans undergoing treatment at St. Charles Cancer Centers in Bend and Redmond have access to comprehensive services, including radiation and medical oncology in one location, an on-site pharmacist, nutrition services, oncology-trained physical therapists, survivorship programs and more.
To be treated at St. Charles, Veterans must first consult with their VA provider to receive prior authorization.
St. Charles Hospice Veterans Program
St. Charles Hospice is proud to partner with the We Honor Veterans program to help us better serve Veterans on hospice. We Honor Veterans, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association and Veterans Affairs, is designed to empower hospice professionals and volunteers to meet the unique needs of dying Veterans.
Additional Veteran community resources
Central Oregon Veterans Outreach - Works with Veterans in the areas of housing and outreach programs, as well as referrals to other agencies and resources.
Crook County VSO
Still Serving Central Oregon - Counseling and mental health services.
The Shield - Free mental health services for Veterans and first responders.
Central Oregon Veteran Center - Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families.
Central Oregon Veterans Council - A local coalition of dedicated Veteran organizations who connect, collaborate, unite and advocate on behalf of all Central Oregon Veterans, Guard and Reserve personnel in order to increase support for prominent issues facing this population. The group meets the second Wednesday of each month from 2-3 p.m. at the Bend VFW Hall at 1503 NE 4th St. in Bend and quarterly in Redmond, Prineville and Madras. Contact: Wendy Rudy, president, at 541-250-2965 [email protected] or join them on Facebook.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services in Deschutes County
Veterans Services in Jefferson County
TRICARE - A health care program for uniformed service members, retirees and their families.
Veterans Crisis Line
If you, or someone you know needs support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.
