Cooper honored for its Veterans VIP program

Cooper University Health Care and George E. Norcross III, Cooper’s chairman, this week received the Seven Seals Award from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support for National Guard and Reserve in recognition of Cooper’s “Veterans VIP Priority Program.” “When we learned of the problems veterans faced in getting the care they need, Cooper quickly established the Veterans VIP Priority Program, because for more than 126 years Cooper has developed programs and initiatives to meet community needs,” said Adrienne Kirby, Cooper’s chief executive. “We stand up for those who need it most, whether it be sending our doctors to Haiti after an earthquake or providing an appointment to a veteran desperate for care. It’s our mission, to serve, to heal, to educate.”

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The Veterans VIP Priority Program provides veterans in South Jersey’s seven counties with same-day appointments and dedicated health care professionals to help patients navigate their health care needs. To date, more than 750 veterans have contacted Cooper for care. Cooper has more than 60 employees who are veterans, including Dr. John Chovanes, a Cooper trauma surgeon and Iraq war veteran.

The award was presented by Don Tretola, ESGR’s state chair. “Moving quickly to address the critical health care needs of veterans in southern New Jersey speaks volumes about their compassion for our men and woman who serve,” he said.

“We started our program because it was the right thing to do,” Norcross said. “These men and women deserve the best our health care system can provide and we are proud to be offering them new options at the highest level care right here in South Jersey.”

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