It's truly amazing to think about the possibilities that advances in technology have unlocked.  No longer do the barriers of time and distance have to limit the ability for anyone to access education, healthcare and government services.  We can now connect with the push of a button. And often, it allows us to help the people who need it most.

I recently read an article by Bryant Jordan of Military.com that discusses how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is changing the lives of veterans across the U.S. and helping meet their unique healthcare needs via telehealth. Veterans are able to meet with primary care physicians and specialists from the comfort of their home, minimizing the pain and hassle of traveling to medical facilities, which are often many miles away.  There's no doubt technology has provided convenience and improved access to healthcare, but the VA has seen other positive results as well. By increasing veterans' ability to access medical professionals and services, improving follow-up and ongoing services, inpatient bed days have been reduced by 58% and admissions have declined by 38%. 

The VA is changing the way veterans consult and find treatment, granting more people access to what they need, when they need it and in a way that minimizes unnecessary stress and travel.  As we look at the future of government services, we see technology continuing to open doors and make a positive impact on caring for our veterans.

Cisco has a long history of supporting the VA with leading technologies, and I am proud to be able to serve those who protect, serve and educate. For information on Cisco's own Veterans Program, visit our Corporate Social Responsibility page.