Schoharie County, State Open First Digital Access Hub for Veterans

Assemblyman Chris Tague speaks about the importance of supporting veterans.

SCHOHARIE COUNTY — The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) and Schoharie County Tuesday announced a first-in-state partnership to launch a dedicated Veteran “Digital Access Hub,” a designated space where Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families can connect to high-quality computers and reliable broadband internet to access critical services. The announcement came during a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Veteran Digital Access Hub located at the Schoharie County Annex Building at 113 Park Place, Schoharie.

This innovative initiative makes Schoharie County the first in New York to formally establish a space designed specifically to support virtual access to telehealth appointments, peer-to-peer meetings, and online sessions with accredited Veterans Benefits Advisors. The Digital Access Hub will help ensure that All Who Served, particularly those in rural or underserved areas, can more easily connect with the care, benefits, and support they have earned. The initiative is made possible through Governor Kathy Hochul’s inclusion of $1 million in suicide prevention funding in the 2025-26 State Budget.

Expanding Access Where It’s Needed Most

From virtual healthcare appointments to benefits counseling and community connection, reliable internet access is increasingly essential. This new hub provides a secure, accessible environment where individuals can:

• Attend telehealth appointments with VA or community providers

• Meet virtually with DVS Veterans Benefits Advisors

• Participate in peer support and wellness programs

• Access online resources, services, and applications

Leadership Perspectives

“Access should never be a barrier to care or connection,” said New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana M. DeCohen. “Our partnership is about meeting people where they are and ensuring that every Veteran and Military Family—regardless of geography—has a clear pathway to the services and support they deserve. Together with Schoharie County, we are leading the way, and we are proud to make this vision a reality.”

“This work reflects a practical, forward-looking approach to service delivery,” said DVS Executive Deputy Commissioner Joel Evans. “By creating a dedicated, technology-enabled space, we are removing obstacles that too often stand between individuals and the benefits they have earned, whether that is connecting with a benefits advisor, joining a support group, or accessing care remotely.”

“This effort reflects Schoharie County’s strong commitment to serving those who have faithfully served our nation,” said William Federice, Chairman of the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors. “By investing in accessible technology and strengthening our partnership with the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services, we are expanding opportunities for Veterans and their families in our communities to better connect with assistance and helpful resources.”

“Today’s announcement represents a meaningful step forward in how we serve our Veteran community,” said DVS Deputy Counsel Benjamin Pomerance. “By providing a dedicated, reliable space for digital access, this initiative helps make certain no one is left behind as more services move online.”

“Our veterans are America’s greatest heroes, and we are very proud that Schoharie County will be the first county to implement this important initiative for our veterans,” said Bryan Best, Schoharie County Administrator. “Our partnership with DVS reflects our continued commitment to innovating service delivery and ensuring that Veterans and Military Families in our community have the tools and access they need to stay informed and supported.”

“This new resource will strengthen how we serve some of our most vulnerable residents,” said Meg Parsons, Director of the Schoharie County Office for the Aging. “By providing a reliable, welcoming space for digital access, we will make it easier for All Who Served and their loved ones to conveniently access services that improve their quality of life.”

“We’re making sure no one who served our nation is left behind due to distance or lack of connectivity. Schoharie County is leading the way, and I’m honored to support this groundbreaking initiative for those who sacrificed so much for all of us,” said New York State Assemblyman Chris Tague.

“This innovative Veterans Digital Access Hub represents the kind of forward-thinking investment we need to ensure our veterans are never left behind,” said New York State Senator Peter Oberacker. “By expanding access to telehealth, benefits assistance, and critical online resources, we are breaking down barriers for those who have served our nation. I’m proud to support this first-in-state initiative in Schoharie County, which will serve as a model for strengthening veteran services in communities across New York.”

A Model for the Future

The Schoharie County Digital Access Hub represents a scalable model that can be expanded to other counties across New York State, helping bridge the digital divide and strengthen access to care and services for All Who Served.

Schoharie County Board of Supervisors Chair Bill Federice speaks at the opening.