The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are teaming up to expand access to healthcare for veterans living in rural areas. Private hospitals and clinics are joining VA facilities in the collaboration supported by nearly $1 million in grants.

Approximately $300,000 in grants will be sent to Virginia, Montana and Alaska, the three states with the high density of veteran residents, to enhance telehealth capabilities and to develop EHRs compatible with the VA’s Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture.

Grants administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration are part of a pilot program to build telehealth networks to support rural veterans, according to a Sept. 12 statement.