Rural community profile: Revisiting Togus, Maine

With almost a quarter of all Veterans in the United States residing in rural communities, ensuring they receive quality health care close to home is more important than ever. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) actively works to meet these Veterans in their own communities and promote opportunities for them to live happy and healthy lives.

Let’s take a look at the Togus VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Maine, an area ripe with rural charm, scenic woods and strong community.

Togus VAMC

Togus VAMC is one of 10 locations serving Veterans within the VA Maine Healthcare System. Originally constructed as the Togus Springs Motel in 1858, the building was purchased by the federal government in 1866 and rebranded as the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, serving Civil War Veterans.

Over time, the building evolved into the Togus VAMC we know today, offering primary care and specialty health services, including mental health care, audiology and geriatrics, as well as a 100-bed nursing home. The Togus VAMC campus includes more than 500 acres of woods, buildings and a national cemetery, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Recognized as a leader in quality patient care, 96% of Veterans who receive care at the Togus VAMC report they can usually or always get a routine primary care appointment when they need one.

Pine tree state of mind

Togus VAMC is located in Chelsea, Maine, which is only about eight miles from Maine’s capital city of Augusta. Surrounded by natural beauty, Chelsea boasts multiple hiking trails, forests and the Kennebec River for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Be sure to stop by the Viles Arboretum, which features six miles of scenic trails for walking or snowshoeing, picnic areas, and a variety of habitats and wildlife. If the great indoors are of more interest to you, plan a visit to Maine’s State House or Fort Western in nearby Augusta.

With a lower cost of living compared to the national average, a slower pace of life and fall foliage you have to see to believe, Chelsea is a welcoming rural community with easy access to nature, culture and history.

Openings at Togus VAMC

Togus VAMC is hiring and needs qualified health care providers and support staff like you to serve our nation’s heroes. Check out current openings below:

Find the full list of openings at Togus VAMC. Learn more about VA’s rewarding mission at VA Careers.