The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England is partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Maine Healthcare System to grant Maine veterans access to YMCA programs and facilities across the state.

This initiative will utilize VA funds to cover monthly memberships for qualified Maine veterans.

Since the Togus VA Medical Center closed its gym and swimming pool during the pandemic, veterans have lacked a dedicated facility to support their wellness; this new partnership provides qualified veterans with the opportunity to join their local YMCA free of charge, with a referral from their VA Maine primary care physician, according to a news release from Jason Buchanan with the alliance.

Maine veterans interested in accessing this benefit must receive a referral from their VA Maine primary care physician.

The 15 YMCAs in Maine serve more than 95,000 people across the state each year.

For information about the alliance, visit nneymcas.org.

Veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA health care at va.gov or by calling 877-222-8387.

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