VA Cooking Class Leads Ozarks Army Veteran to Enroll in VA Health Care

An Army Veteran in the Ozarks enrolled in VA health care after learning that enrollment was required to join a cooking class, and has since joined other VA wellness programs, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VA said Patti Erwin had not previously enrolled in VA health care because she had insurance, felt healthy and rarely visited the doctor. She saw a flyer for a cooking class at the Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (VHSO) through her local Disabled American Veterans chapter. When she learned participants had to be enrolled at VHSO, she completed her enrollment, the department said.

According to the VA, the classes were held in a teaching kitchen at the Fayetteville Public Library over a six-month series. Participants learned to prepare soups, pasta dishes, fish, cobblers and homemade bread.

Allison Wright, a licensed clinical social worker at VHSO, said the classes help Veterans build cooking confidence, socialize with other Veterans and learn about nutrition to make healthier food choices.

The VA said Erwin later signed up for the Veterans Whole Health Yoga Class. "I didn't think I needed healthcare from VA, but I am glad that I enrolled," Erwin said, adding that she can now attend classes while knowing she can use VA health care when needed.

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Originally published by True News: https://truenews.bagleyenterprises.net/stories/156