Spectrum Health is making every effort to recognize, thank and support veterans. The Veterans Support Services program began at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 7; bridging the gap between veteran patients and access to their federal, state and local benefits and resources.

 

Veteran Support Services goes beyond medical costs, also helping with services from counseling to employment. Some of the common benefits include housing assistance, mental health services, Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and Veterans Affairs benefits.

 

Danielle Montag is the veteran behind the program. She got the idea as an intern at Spectrum Health when she realized that a gap existed between VA health care and hospitals.

 

“In a pilot study, we found that 33 percent of our inpatient veterans had unmet needs that could be addressed through existing programs,” said Montag, Veteran Support Services coordinator for Spectrum Health. “As this program grows, we will be able to salute and help more veterans and their families. We don’t want anyone to go without.”

 

Spectrum Health Pennock recognizes veteran status during registration or admittance to the hospital. Patients are identified by a flag posted on their status board in their hospital room. The flag is meant to symbolize their military service so they may be recognized by staff and visitors. Veterans may also get a special visit from a veteran volunteer and may be eligible for services from the Veteran Support Services team.

 

“The Barry County United Way and Veteran’s Affairs office applauds Spectrum Health Pennock for identifying and assisting with the coordination of available benefits for the veterans of our community. We are very proud of this cooperative venture,” said Pattrick Jansens, BCUW Veteran’s Coordinator.

 

Jim Atkinson, veteran and member of the community, said: “As a veteran and member of American Legion Post 45 of Hastings, I salute Spectrum Health System, and specifically Spectrum Health Pennock, for recognizing this shortcoming and doing something to correct it.

“Many older, and some younger veterans are requiring more frequent hospitalizations. Bringing this to the attention of Barry County Veterans Affairs office can only help these veterans with the help they need to heal. Also, veterans will now know that this added service is available. Thank you Spectrum Health Pennock for bringing this to Hastings and Barry County.”

 

Patients who want to take part in this Spectrum Health program can let staff know their veteran status upon registration at the hospital. Anyone interested in volunteering with the program may email Montag directly at Danielle.Montag@spectrumhealth.org.

For more, contact veteransupportservices@spectrumhealth.org or call 616.267.1744. //

 

“Our veterans are vitally important to our communities and beyond,” said Sheryl Lewis Blake, president, Spectrum Health Pennock. “We are committed to recognizing them and to showing our appreciation for their contributions to our country. As we provide recognition for veterans’ service and advocacy when needed, we strive to heal the whole person, while enhancing the patient experience.”

So far, Spectrum Health has recognized more than 4,436 veterans throughout the health system for their service to our country. That number will continue to grow as awareness about the program increases.

 

Spectrum Health is a not-for-profit health system based in West Michigan, offering a full continuum of care through the Spectrum Health Hospital Group, with 12 hospitals, including Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; about 180 ambulatory and service sites; about 3,400 physicians and advanced practice providers, including about 1,400 members of the Spectrum Health Medical Group; and Priority Health, a health plan with about 796,000 members.

 

Spectrum Health is West Michigan’s largest employer, with 25,300 employees. The organization provided more than $326 million in community benefit during its 2016 fiscal year; it was named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems—and in the top five among the largest health systems—in 2017 by Truven Health Analytics®, part of IBM Watson HealthTM.

This is the sixth time the organization has received the recognition.