By Chris Thomas
Colorado News Connection
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Community Health Centers are booming, and they’ve made a commitment to reach out to veterans – whether they’re in need of health care or looking for a career.
Community Health Centers are local clinics that see patients no matter what their insurance status or ability to pay.
Three years ago, the National Association of Community Health Centers signed on to hire at least 8,000 veterans as part of the Hiring Heroes initiative.
Pam McManus, CEO for Peak Vista Community Health Centers in south central Colorado, says the decision to hire veterans has paid off.
“I could list so many reasons why they’re a great hire,” she says. “They’ve had incredible training. Their work ethic is strong. They care about Peak Vista’s mission. They care about their community and the people – and so, it’s a perfect fit.”
McManus says the veterans’ project management experience, sense of teamwork and understanding of the need for patient privacy and security are among the skills her group appreciates. She says Peak Vista will continue its outreach to former service members.
It’s now estimated that veterans make up as much as 20 percent of the Community Health Center workforce nationwide.
The Hiring Heroes initiative was launched before the Veterans’ Administration controversy over long wait times and inadequate care at some VA facilities.
This month, a new Veterans Choice program was announced that allows veterans to get care elsewhere.
Richard Bohrer, director of network relations for the National Association of Community Health Centers, says its network of providers, often located in small towns, fits the need.
“The goal is to offer timely, qualified care within a reasonable distance from a veteran’s home,” he says. “Health Centers are located in 9,000 communities – across, you know, this country. The ability of Health Centers to be that health care home is imminent.”
Bohrer says Health Centers provided care to about 300,000 veterans last year. Many of the centers include dental and mental health care as well.
