In preparation for Veteran’s Day, students from Ross Medical Education Center in Brighton, Michigan designed and assembled cards for the Veterans receiving care at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. “Veteran’s Day is our opportunity to say thank you to a special group of men and women,” shared Susan Mall, Campus Director in Brighton. The campus was able to make cards for a handful of the nearly 100,000 veterans that are cared for daily by medical centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics that are a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Veterans Health Administration continues to meet the changing medical, surgical and quality-of-life needs presented by the nation’s veterans. Some of their new programs offer treatment for suicide prevention, traumatic brain injuries, post traumatic stress disorder, female veteran needs, and more. According the VA website, “The VA has opened outpatient clinics, and established telemedicine and other services to accommodate a diverse Veteran population, and continues to cultivate ongoing medical research and innovation to improve the lives of America’s patriots”.
Students were honored to make cards for these American heroes. Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program student Jean Duncan feels it is important to recognize veterans to “show respect for those who served our country.” Meagan Waldorf, a morning Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration student said she thinks making cards “is also a way we can show our support.” Students crafted cards with patriotic themes and words of thanks.
The Veterans Health Administration operates one of the largest health care systems in the world and provides training for a majority of America’s medical, nursing, and allied health professionals. In fact, approximately 60% of all medical residents obtain a portion of their training at VA hospitals, and VA medical research programs benefit society at-large. The powerful positive impact on the community is one of the reasons that Ross in Brighton is proud to work with their local VA hospital.