By its very nature, the dynamics of transiency make statistical information about it almost impossible. However, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) estimates that approximately 39,471 veterans are homeless. “Veterans need a coordinated effort that provides secure housing, nutritional meals, basic physical health care, substance abuse care/aftercare, personal development and empowerment,” says the report. It is shameful to think that any country would deny its veterans access to the most basic, life-sustaining necessities, especially medical assistance. The homeless veterans’ population has its own, unique challenges, but no U.S. military veteran should be denied healthcare.
Easily Accessible Medical Care for Underserved Vets
One of the organizations committed to helping underserved and uninsured communities and their veteran populations is the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Our nation’s heroes should never have to stand in line for health care,” said Tom Van Coverden, CEO and President, NACHC. “We know the struggle veterans often face in medically underserved communities, where there are few or scarce options for care. Community Health Centers are proud to make a difference and reach out to veterans and their families with quality primary health care services when and where they need them.”
The number of veterans seeking healthcare from NACHC partner/providers rose from 214,000 to 305,000 between 2008 and 2015, an impressive 43 percent increase. In 2016, approximately 6,470 NACHC clinicians were approved as Veterans Choice Program® medical providers. Additionally, 78% of the clinics offer dental care, 83% provide mental health services, and 21% offer substance abuse treatment.
Hiring Veterans: Helping Beyond ‘Charity’ With Empowerment
In December 2016, Van Coverden said the NACHC would go beyond the push for accessible and equitable healthcare for veterans; they would continue to make veteran employment one of the organization’s goals for 2017. They have been working hard to recruit and hire veterans as part of a national initiative launched several years ago. Initially, the stated goal was to hire at least one veteran per grantee site by the end of 2014, leading to employment for more than 5,000 U.S. veterans.
Our Veterans Deserve the Best
Delivering affordable healthcare to veterans – and to every U.S. resident – has never been more important! Concordance Healthcare Solutions works with organizations like the NACHC and other healthcare providers to do just that, using supply chain models that are proven effective while never forgetting the four basic business principles that drive our mission: trust, integrity, commitment, and service. Contact your nearest distribution center if you have any questions about inventory management or technology solutions. Maybe it’s time to take healthcare management beyond the basics and beyond your expectations. We can help.
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