Today, Cooper University Heath Care and George E. Norcross, III, Cooper’s chairman, were given the prestigious “Seven Seals Award” by the U.S. Department of Defense’s Employer Support for National Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in recognition of Cooper’s “Veterans VIP Priority Program.” The award was presented by ESGR state chair Don Tretola at an event at Cooper’s Roberts Pavilion.
Don Tretola, State Chair for Employer Support for National Guard and Reserve (ESGR) presents “Seven Seals Award” to George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of the Board at Cooper University Health Care.
“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, PhD, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of The Cooper Health System, who accepted the award on behalf of Cooper. “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 and to educate.”
Cooper’s “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, over 750 veterans have contacted Cooper to receive care. Cooper has more than 60 employees who are veterans, including John Chovanes, DO, Cooper trauma surgeon and Major, U.S. Army Reserve and Iraqi war veteran.
“We are pleased to present the Seven Seals Award to Cooper University Health Care and its Chairman, George Norcross, in recognition of the Veterans VIP Priority Program,” said Don Tretola at today’s event. “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.”
L to R, Major John Chovanes, MD, Cooper trauma surgeon and Iraq veteran; Don Tretola, State Chair for Employer Support for National Guard and Reserve (ESGR); Adrienne Kirby, PhD, FACHE, President and CEO of Cooper University Health Care; George E. Norcross, III, Chairman of the Board at Cooper.
The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievements or initiatives that support the ESGR mission to promote cooperation and understanding between military service members and their civilian employees. It is presented on a State or Federal level only.
“We started our program because it was the right thing to do,” said Norcross. “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. We are honored to receive the Seven Seals award.”
Media contact:
Wendy A. Marano
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
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