Biloxi Veterans Affairs hosts town hall to hear from local Veterans

Biloxi Veterans Affairs hosted a town hall for Gulf Coast veterans to receive resources, ask questions, and voice any concerns they have with the care the VA provides.

Biloxi Veterans Affairs has not hosted a town hall since the pandemic, which halted various forms of communication.

Stephanie Repasky, healthcare system director for the Gulf Coast, says it’s vital to receive feedback from veterans to maintain a good relationship with them.

“I hope this starts to build trust between us and the veterans, and it’s on us that we listen to them and that we do something with their voice,” Repasky said. “That will build engagement, and make us a provider of choice for them. If we’re not serving their needs, then we’re not meeting them where they are.”

Many of the questions revolved around the scope of care the VA provides, and if it will be evolving in the future.

One veteran we spoke with has been receiving care from veteran affairs for 14 years. He says that his problems in the past have been quickly resolved because of this open line of communication.

John Hills said, “I feel cared about, and that’s what’s important to me. Not being a number. These doctors take time out of their schedule to ask me questions about my personal life, my kids, my family. What I’m doing with my life, and how to actually progress with my healthcare.”

Even with his positive experience, Hills has questions on how to make his care better.

The VA will be hosting more town halls to help grow veteran’s confidence in the system.