Veterans Gain Digital Skills through Tech4Vets
At the Northern Colorado VA Clinic in Loveland, Colorado, the Tech4Vets program is empowering Veterans by enhancing their digital literacy and providing them with essential skills for managing their healthcare. This initiative, led by Michelle Walton, the My HealtheVet coordinator for the Cheyenne VA Healthcare System, along with community volunteers, aims to help Veterans utilize digital tools that facilitate their healthcare, benefits, and day-to-day activities. The program supports Veterans across northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, and eastern Nebraska.
Walton emphasized the importance of technology in connecting Veterans with the care and benefits they deserve, stating, “Our goal is to make sure Veterans feel comfortable, informed and supported as they use these tools.”
Enhancing Access to Healthcare
For many Veterans, particularly those in rural areas or juggling multiple appointments, the VA’s online resources provide a convenient means to stay engaged with their healthcare.
- Refilling eligible prescriptions
- Managing health information
- Requesting medical records
- Communicating securely with healthcare team members
- Accessing information about VA services and benefits
However, learning to navigate technology can be daunting, especially when faced with unfamiliar applications, spam messages, or complex sign-in protocols. Tech4Vets cultivates an inviting, hands-on environment where Veterans can seek assistance, receive personalized support, and develop their skills at their own pace.
Fostering Online Safety and Confidence
Cruz Munoz, a Cheyenne VA volunteer and cybersecurity student, recently participated in the program to provide cybersecurity advice to attending Veterans. He guided them in identifying potential scams and protecting themselves from online risks.
Munoz shared several key safety tips, such as:
- Being cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, and calls that request personal information
- Using strong, unique passwords and not sharing account details
- Verifying the sender before clicking links or opening attachments
- Keeping devices and software updated
- Contacting trusted organizations directly if messages appear suspicious
Munoz remarked on how volunteering has boosted his confidence in engaging with others and emphasized the importance of connecting Veterans with local resources.
Strengthening Community Partnerships
Walton is working to expand Tech4Vets through partnerships with local libraries, making technology assistance more accessible to Veterans in their communities. These collaborations have revealed that Veterans often require help not only with VA tools but also with online banking, shopping, social interactions, community information, and safe internet usage.
The initiative’s long-term vision includes forming alliances with county libraries throughout northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, and eastern Nebraska to ensure more Veterans can receive reliable, localized technology support. Tech4Vets embodies the Cheyenne VA’s commitment to meet Veterans where they are, whether in a clinic, within their communities, or online.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
