For veterans living in rural North Texas, accessing critical healthcare can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. In areas like Hunt County, where the closest VA health clinic may still require hours of travel, veterans face significant barriers to receiving the care they need. Jana Hebron, a dedicated social worker and case manager for the VA Health System, has seen these struggles firsthand and worked tirelessly to help her clients overcome them.
“The veterans we serve are strong and resilient,” Jana says. “But distance can be a formidable barrier. When healthcare isn’t within reach, veterans’ well-being suffers.”
In the fall of 2022, Feonix – Mobility Rising partnered with the VA Health System and the Texas Veterans Commission to address these barriers. Through this collaboration, Feonix provided over $50,000 worth of rides to veterans, ensuring they could access primary care, specialty treatment, and life-saving services without delay.
One story illustrates the power of this partnership. An older, unhoused veteran living in Greenville faced a life-threatening medical emergency after urgent bloodwork revealed alarming results. He needed to reach the Dallas VA Medical Center immediately—a trip of more than an hour. On a Friday afternoon, Jana contacted Feonix for assistance, and within hours, they arranged a same-day ride for the veteran.
Throughout the ordeal, Feonix staff stayed connected, providing ongoing check-ins to ensure he felt supported. After an overnight stay at the Dallas VA for intensive care, Feonix coordinated his safe return to Greenville the following day.
“The care from Feonix went beyond transportation,” Jana explains. “They treated him with dignity and care—like he mattered.”
The Healthcare Gap for Rural Veterans
This veteran’s story is not unique. According to the National Rural Health Association, nearly 25% of all U.S. veterans live in rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited. While VA clinics provide critical care, many veterans require specialized treatment only available in urban centers like Dallas or Fort Worth. Without reliable transportation, these veterans face the risk of delayed treatment or worsening health conditions.
Jana emphasizes how crucial reliable transportation is for rural veterans. “So many of these men and women are willing to drive hours to get the care they need, but when they don’t have the means or ability, it puts their lives in danger.”
The Launch of a Sustainable Solution
After the initial funding was exhausted, Feonix remained committed to addressing this ongoing need. Recognizing the importance of sustainable support, Feonix worked to identify additional funding to continue providing long-distance rides for veterans with the greatest barriers to care.
Their persistence paid off. In 2024, Feonix was awarded $150,000 to launch the Rural Veterans Access to Care Initiative. This program, which begins in July 2024, will provide life-saving transportation for veterans across North Texas, helping them access specialty care, treatment programs, and routine appointments at VA medical centers.
“This program will be a game-changer,” Jana says. “Reliable transportation means veterans can get the care they deserve without worrying about how they’ll get there.”
Community Setting: Hunt County, TX and Rural North Texas
Hunt County and surrounding rural communities are emblematic of the challenges faced by veterans across the country. The sprawling landscape and lack of robust public transit systems leave many residents isolated, particularly those without personal vehicles. For veterans who rely on the VA Health System for care, these transportation gaps create life-or-death scenarios.
By partnering with the VA and Texas Veterans Commission, Feonix – Mobility Rising is actively closing this gap, ensuring rural veterans have access to timely, essential medical care.
Conclusion: Honoring Veterans Through Action
For Jana Hebron and her colleagues at the VA Health System, Feonix’s partnership represents more than just a transportation solution—it’s a lifeline for veterans who have served their country and deserve access to the care they need.
“This work is about dignity and honor,” Jana says. “It’s about making sure our veterans know we haven’t forgotten them. They deserve nothing less.”
Through the Rural Veterans Access to Care Initiative, Feonix continues to honor veterans by eliminating barriers and ensuring healthcare is accessible, no matter how far away it may be. With Jana’s unwavering support and Feonix’s dedication, rural veterans in Texas now have a brighter, healthier future within reach.
Sources:
National Rural Health Association – Rural Veterans and Healthcare Access