The Sacred Trust of Veteran Healthcare
As a Master Sergeant and veteran business owner, I understand that healthcare isn't just a benefit - it's a sacred trust between our nation and those who served. When we raised our right hand and took the oath, our country promised to care for us when we returned home. In St. Louis, that promise is kept through a comprehensive network of medical organizations dedicated to veteran health and wellness.
Whether you're dealing with service-connected injuries, PTSD, chronic conditions, or simply need routine medical care, St. Louis offers some of the nation's finest veteran healthcare resources. These aren't just medical facilities - they're centers of healing staffed by professionals who understand the unique challenges veterans face.
VA St. Louis Health Care System - The Foundation
John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital
Location: 📍915 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63106 Phone: (314) 652-4100 Hours: Open now (varies by department) Website: va.gov/st-louis-health-care
Comprehensive Services:
- Primary care and specialty health services
- Mental health care and PTSD treatment
- Women's health services
- Prosthetics and rehabilitation
- Spinal cord injury treatment
- Emergency care
- Pharmacy services
- Laboratory and diagnostic imaging
The John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital serves as the flagship medical facility for veterans in east central Missouri and southwestern Illinois. This isn't just another hospital - it's a specialized medical center designed specifically for veteran needs, with staff who understand military culture and service-connected health issues.
Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center
Location: 📍 1 Jefferson Barracks Dr, St. Louis, MO 63125 Phone: (314) 652-4100 Hours: Open 24 hours Website: va.gov/st-louis-health-care/locations/st-louis-va-medical-center-jefferson-barracks
Specialized Services:
- Community Living Center (long-term care)
- Home-based primary care
- Medical rehabilitation services
- Extended care programs
- Geriatric and elderly veteran care
- Hospice and palliative care
Jefferson Barracks specializes in long-term care and rehabilitation, providing comprehensive medical care both in their facility and in veterans' homes. Their Community Living Center offers residential care for veterans who need daily medical support.
Caregiver Support Program
Contact: 📞 Through VA St. Louis Health Care System Services:
- Support for family caregivers of veterans
- Training and education for caregivers
- Respite care services
- Financial assistance for eligible caregivers
- Caregiver support coordinators
- In-home help coordination
- 24/7 caregiver support line
Who Qualifies:
- Caregivers of veterans with serious injuries from military service on or after September 11, 2001
- Legacy caregivers of veterans injured before September 11, 2001 (limited benefits)
Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)
Purpose: Clinical vocational rehabilitation program Services:
- Job training and placement
- Supported employment
- Transitional work programs
- Skills assessment and development
- Career counseling
- Workplace accommodations assistance
Eligibility: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare with vocational rehabilitation needs
VA Healthcare Eligibility and Enrollment
Who Qualifies for VA Healthcare?
Automatic Eligibility (Priority Groups 1-6):
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 50% or higher
- Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30-40%
- Former POWs
- Veterans awarded Purple Heart
- Veterans discharged for disability resulting from line of duty
- Combat veterans discharged on or after September 11, 2001
- Veterans receiving VA pension
Income-Based Eligibility (Priority Groups 7-8):
- Veterans who don't meet automatic criteria but fall within VA income limits
- Veterans with higher incomes who agree to pay copays
How to Enroll:
- Complete Application for Health Care Benefits (VA Form 10-10EZ)
- Online: va.gov/health-care/apply
- Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
- In Person: Any VA medical facility
- Mail: Complete form and mail to local VA medical center
What's Covered:
- All veterans receive: Preventive care, primary care, mental health care, emergency care
- Additional benefits depend on priority group: Dental care, vision care, specialty services, prescription medications
Community-Based Healthcare Support
Missouri Veterans Benefits Portal
Website: 🌐 veteranbenefits.mo.gov/healthcare Services:
- Healthcare enrollment assistance
- Benefits navigation
- Emergency financial assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Prescription assistance programs
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) Healthcare Advocacy
American Legion Healthcare Advocacy
- Claims assistance and appeals
- Healthcare enrollment support
- Benefits counseling
- Transportation to medical appointments
VFW Healthcare Support
- Unmet needs assistance
- Emergency financial help for medical expenses
- Healthcare advocacy and claims support
- Transportation programs
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Transportation services to VA medical appointments
- Claims assistance for service-connected disabilities
- Healthcare advocacy
- Benefits counseling
VA St. Louis Regional Office
Location: 📍Charles F. Prevedel Federal Bldg, 9700 Page Ave, St. Louis, MO 63132
Phone: 📞 (314) 801-0800 Hours: Open, closes 4 PM Website: benefits.va.gov/stlouis
Benefits and Claims Services:
- Disability compensation claims
- Healthcare enrollment assistance
- Benefits counseling and advocacy
- Appeals and reviews
- Vocational rehabilitation referrals
Specialized VA Programs and Services
Mental Health and PTSD Support
St. Louis Vet Center Location: Multiple locations in St. Louis metro Phone: Contact main VA number for referral Website: va.gov/st-louis-vet-center
Services:
- Confidential counseling for veterans, service members, and families
- PTSD treatment and therapy
- Readjustment counseling
- Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
- Bereavement counseling
- Group therapy sessions
- Family counseling
- No cost, non-medical setting
The Vet Center model recognizes that not all veteran mental health needs require medical intervention. These centers provide confidential, professional counseling in a comfortable, non-clinical environment.
Specialized Medical Programs
Women Veterans Healthcare
Services Available:
- Gender-specific primary care
- Gynecological care
- Maternity care
- Mental health services for women veterans
- Military sexual trauma (MST) treatment
- Women-only treatment programs
Contact: 📞 Women Veterans Program Manager at (314) 652-4100
Homeless Veterans Healthcare
Specialized Programs:
- Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
- Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (H-PACTs)
- Grant and Per Diem Program medical support
- Domiciliary care programs
- Outreach and engagement services
Elderly Veterans Extended Care
Services:
- Geriatric evaluation and management
- Adult day health care
- Home-based primary care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Assisted living programs
- Respite care for caregivers
Spinal Cord Injury Care
Specialized Services:
- Comprehensive spinal cord injury treatment
- Rehabilitation services
- Adaptive equipment and training
- Home modifications assistance
- Peer support programs
- Long-term care planning
Emergency and Crisis Support
Veterans Crisis Line
Contact: 📞
Phone: 988, Press 1 Text: 838255 Online Chat: veteranscrisisline.net Available: 24/7, confidential support Services: Crisis intervention, suicide prevention, emotional support
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Support
VA Mental Health Services
Comprehensive Programs:
- Individual therapy and counseling
- Group therapy programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Residential treatment programs
- Medication management
- Peer support services
PTSD Treatment Programs
Evidence-Based Treatments:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy programs
- Family therapy and education
Substance Abuse Treatment
Programs Available:
- Detoxification services
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Dual diagnosis treatment (mental health + substance abuse)
- Recovery support services
The Baldwin Priesmeyer Healthcare Commitment
As a veteran-owned business, Baldwin Priesmeyer recognizes the critical importance of veteran healthcare. Through our Veterans Organization Service Plan, we support healthcare organizations by:
- Providing flags and flagpoles to VA medical centers and clinics at discounted rates
- Priority service for healthcare facilities serving veterans
- Emergency flag replacement for medical facilities
- Community partnerships with healthcare organizations supporting veterans
We believe that supporting the institutions that heal our veterans is supporting the veterans themselves.
Healthcare Success Stories
Veterans using St. Louis healthcare services have achieved remarkable health outcomes:
- High patient satisfaction scores consistently above national averages
- Reduced wait times for appointments and procedures
- Comprehensive care coordination between multiple specialists
- Successful treatment outcomes for PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Improved quality of life through specialized programs
- Family support through caregiver programs
How to Access Healthcare Services Immediately
For Enrolled Veterans:
- Call your VA primary care team for routine appointments
- Use MyHealtheVet portal for secure messaging and appointment requests
- Call (314) 652-4100 for urgent medical needs
- Visit emergency department for medical emergencies
For Veterans Not Yet Enrolled:
- Apply immediately using VA Form 10-10EZ
- Visit enrollment office at John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital
- Call 1-877-222-VETS for enrollment assistance
- Bring military discharge papers (DD-214) and identification
For Veterans in Crisis:
- Call 988, Press 1 for Veterans Crisis Line
- Text 838255 for crisis support
- Visit any emergency department for immediate safety
- Call (314) 652-4100 for VA crisis intervention
Preventive Care and Wellness Programs
Preventive Services (No Cost to Veterans):
- Annual physical examinations
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Cancer screenings (prostate, colorectal, breast, cervical)
- Cardiovascular disease screening
- Diabetes screening and management
- Mental health screenings
- Substance abuse screenings
Wellness Programs:
- MOVE! Weight Management Program
- Smoking cessation programs
- Diabetes prevention programs
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Stress management classes
- Nutrition counseling
- Exercise and fitness programs
Telehealth and Remote Care
VA Video Connect
Services Available:
- Primary care appointments
- Mental health counseling
- Specialty consultations
- Medication management
- Follow-up appointments
Benefits:
- Reduced travel time and costs
- Increased access to specialists
- Convenient scheduling
- Same quality care as in-person visits
Remote Patient Monitoring
Programs:
- Home blood pressure monitoring
- Diabetes management
- Weight management
- Medication adherence monitoring
- Chronic disease management
Transportation and Access Support
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Transportation
Service: Free transportation to VA medical appointments Coverage: St. Louis metro area to VA facilities Scheduling: Call local DAV chapter Eligibility: Veterans with transportation barriers
VA Beneficiary Travel Program
Reimbursement: Mileage reimbursement for travel to VA appointments Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30% or higher, or those meeting income requirements Process: Submit travel claim after appointment
Community Transportation Resources
- Metro Transit: Reduced fares for veterans
- Ride-sharing partnerships: Discounted transportation to medical appointments
- Volunteer driver programs: Through veteran service organizations
A Personal Message from a Fellow Veteran
Your health is not negotiable - it's the foundation of everything else in your life. The healthcare system in St. Louis isn't just about treating illness; it's about honoring the commitment our nation made to care for those who served.
I've seen veterans transform their lives through proper healthcare - from managing chronic pain to overcoming PTSD, from addiction recovery to successful aging. The key is taking that first step and accessing the care you've earned.
Don't wait until a health issue becomes a crisis. Preventive care and early intervention save lives and improve quality of life.
The healthcare professionals in these organizations understand military culture, service-connected conditions, and the unique challenges veterans face. They're not just treating patients - they're caring for fellow Americans who answered the call to serve.
Your service earned you this care. Don't let pride, stigma, or misconceptions prevent you from accessing it.
Taking Action
For Veterans Needing Healthcare:
- Enroll in VA healthcare today - don't wait until you need it
- Schedule annual physical and preventive care appointments
- Address mental health proactively - it's as important as physical health
- Use all available services - you've earned comprehensive care
- Stay connected with your healthcare team and follow treatment plans
For Family Members:
- Encourage veteran family members to enroll and use VA healthcare
- Learn about caregiver support programs if you're caring for a veteran
- Understand benefits and eligibility to help veterans navigate the system
- Support mental health treatment - reduce stigma and encourage care
- Know crisis resources and how to access emergency help
For Community Members:
- Support VA medical facilities through volunteering and donations
- Advocate for veteran healthcare funding and improvements
- Reduce stigma around mental health treatment for veterans
- Support veteran-owned businesses like Baldwin Priesmeyer that give back
- Thank healthcare workers who serve our veterans
The Path to Better Health
St. Louis offers world-class healthcare resources for veterans, but the best healthcare system in the world can't help if veterans don't access it. Whether you need routine care, specialized treatment, or crisis intervention, these organizations stand ready to serve those who served.
Your health is your most valuable asset. Protect it with the same dedication you showed in military service.
The promise made to care for veterans.
Emergency Healthcare
John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital Emergency Department
- 24/7 emergency care for enrolled veterans
- Specialized trauma care
- Mental health crisis intervention
- Coordination with community emergency services
Emergency Financial Assistance for Healthcare
Missouri Veterans Benefits:
- Emergency prescription assistance
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Temporary financial assistance for medical expenses
- Coordination with community resources
Non-VA Community Healthcare Partners
Community Care Network
Purpose: VA-authorized care in community when VA services aren't available Services:
- Specialty care not available at VA
- Emergency care at non-VA facilities
- Mental health services in community
- Urgent care when VA isn't accessible
How It Works:
- VA determines if community care is needed
- VA authorizes and coordinates care
- Community provider delivers care
- VA pays authorized providers directly
Mission Act Community Care
Eligibility Criteria:
- VA can't provide care within 30 days
- VA facility is more than 40 minutes drive time
- VA doesn't offer the needed service
- Veteran meets other specific criteria
Prescription and Pharmacy Services
VA Pharmacy Services
Locations:
- John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital
- Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center
- Community-based outpatient clinics
Services:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Mail-order pharmacy
- Medication therapy management
- Clinical pharmacy consultations
Prescription Assistance Programs
VA Copay Assistance:
- Financial hardship exemptions
- Catastrophic cap protection
- Priority group benefits
Community Prescription Assistance:
- Pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs
- State prescription assistance programs
- Nonprofit medication assistance programs
Services Available:
- Gender-specific primary care
- Gynecological care
- Maternity care
- Mental health services for women veterans
- Military sexual trauma (MST) treatment
- Women-only treatment programs
Contact: Women Veterans Program Manager at (314) 652-4100
Homeless Veterans Healthcare
Specialized Programs:
- Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
- Homeless Patient Aligned Care Teams (H-PACTs)
- Grant and Per Diem Program medical support
- Domiciliary care programs
- Outreach and engagement services
Elderly Veterans Extended Care
Services:
- Geriatric evaluation and management
- Adult day health care
- Home-based primary care
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Assisted living programs
- Respite care for caregivers
Spinal Cord Injury Care
Specialized Services:
- Comprehensive spinal cord injury treatment
- Rehabilitation services
- Adaptive equipment and training
- Home modifications assistance
- Peer support programs
- Long-term care planning
Emergency and Crisis Support
Veterans Crisis Line
Phone: 988, Press 1 Text: 838255 Online Chat: veteranscrisisline.net Available: 24/7, confidential support Services: Crisis intervention, suicide prevention, emotional support
Emergency Healthcare
John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital Emergency Department
- 24/7 emergency care for enrolled veterans
- Specialized trauma care
- Mental health crisis intervention
- Coordination with community emergency services
Emergency Financial Assistance for Healthcare
Missouri Veterans Benefits:
- Emergency prescription assistance
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Temporary financial assistance for medical expenses
- Coordination with community resources
Non-VA Community Healthcare Partners
Community Care Network
Purpose: VA-authorized care in community when VA services aren't available Services:
- Specialty care not available at VA
- Emergency care at non-VA facilities
- Mental health services in community
- Urgent care when VA isn't accessible
How It Works:
- VA determines if community care is needed
- VA authorizes and coordinates care
- Community provider delivers care
- VA pays authorized providers directly
Mission Act Community Care
Eligibility Criteria:
- VA can't provide care within 30 days
- VA facility is more than 40 minutes drive time
- VA doesn't offer the needed service
- Veteran meets other specific criteria
Prescription and Pharmacy Services
VA Pharmacy Services
Locations:
- John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital
- Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center
- Community-based outpatient clinics
Services:
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Mail-order pharmacy
- Medication therapy management
- Clinical pharmacy consultations
Prescription Assistance Programs
VA Copay Assistance:
- Financial hardship exemptions
- Catastrophic cap protection
- Priority group benefits
Community Prescription Assistance:
- Pharmaceutical company patient assistance programs
- State prescription assistance programs
- Nonprofit medication assistance programs
Thousands of local veterans manage PTSD, depression, anxiety, and addiction.
Wellness, Preventive Care & Remote Support
The VA’s Preventive Services—including cancer screenings, diabetes checks, immunizations, and mental health evaluations—are offered at no cost to enrolled veterans. Programs like MOVE! and stress management classes focus on long-term health.
For convenience, VA Video Connect and Remote Patient Monitoring allow veterans to consult with doctors and specialists from home. Whether managing chronic illness or attending a follow-up, telehealth bridges the gap between need and access.
Transportation Help from DAV & Community Partners
For those facing transportation challenges, DAV provides free rides to VA medical appointments across the St. Louis metro area. The VA Beneficiary Travel Program offers mileage reimbursement for eligible veterans, and Metro Transit provides reduced fares. Volunteer driver programs and ride-share partnerships ensure no veteran misses essential care due to lack of transport.
Baldwin Priesmeyer’s Healthcare Commitment
Through our Veterans Organization Service Plan, Baldwin Priesmeyer supports veteran healthcare providers by:
- Supplying VA hospitals and clinics with flags and flagpoles at discounted rates
- Offering emergency flag replacement
- Prioritizing service for healthcare facilities
- Partnering with organizations that serve the veteran community
We believe that when you support the people who care for veterans, you support veterans directly.
Take Action—Because You’ve Earned It
- Enrolled veterans: Use the MyHealtheVet portal, or call your VA care team or (314) 652-4100
- Not enrolled yet? Apply at John J. Cochran VA Hospital or call 1-877-222-VETS
- In crisis? Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255 for immediate help
Your Health Is the First Step
The St. Louis VA Health Care System and its partners deliver top-tier, veteran-focused care—because your service deserves nothing less. Let’s erase the stigma around asking for help and ensure every veteran can access the support they’ve earned.
From Baldwin Priesmeyer to our fellow veterans: your strength built this nation. Let’s help you protect your health with the same commitment.
Ready to Display the New St. Louis Flag?
Celebrate the heritage and unity of St. Louis County with the latest design. Our collection includes high-quality, American-made flags that are veteran-owned, made in the USA, and weather-tested. Perfect for Homes, Offices, and Events.
Contact Us to find out more about custom banners and flag options, featuring the new St. Louis flag.
St. Louis Veteran Health Services & Medical Support