Military veterans in the Rio Grande Valley will soon be able to get the healthcare they need at South Texas Health System (STHS) hospitals here, instead of having to take a four- to five-hour trip to San Antonio.

That's because the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has awarded STHS a contract to provide veterans with acute inpatient medical, surgical and mental healthcare, as well as emergency services.

All veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system are eligible for care under the contract. The contract marks the first time that VA healthcare has been available in the Valley, and is one of many firsts for South Texas Health System.

For more information, call 1-877-752-0650 or log on to www.southtexas.va.gov and click on VA Valley Coastal Bend.

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