Cooper has introduced a new program to help military veterans improve their access to health care using tablet devices.
The program, funded by a $62,000 grant from Federal Communications Commission, will provide tablets to veterans who have difficulty getting to care at Cooper or Deborah Heart and Lung Center. Many veterans live in rural communities or have transportation challenges so the tablets, pre-loaded with virtual links (MyChart and TelaDoc), will help support their health care needs and allow them to communicate and have virtual visits with their providers.
“We know that individuals with chronic conditions are at risk of developing complications and possible hospitalization when they are not able to access health care. We also know that many of the veterans we serve have transportation issues, creating barriers to care,” said Max Kursh, Director of Population Health at Cooper, who is overseeing the program. “By providing tablet devices for these vulnerable individuals, we will help improve communications and maintain vital connections with their health care providers to allow them to manage their care successfully at home.”
The grant will cover the costs of 50 tablets for three years and includes internet service.
“Our veterans have given of themselves to serve our country, so we want to be able to thank them for their service by developing innovative programs to meet their needs,” Kursh said.
Cooper provides a range of services to active military and veterans through HeroCare Connect, a joint venture between Cooper and Deborah Heart and Lung Center. HeroCare Connect is a personal, one-stop resource that links military families, active duty and retired military, and veterans with specialty care services close to home on a timely basis.
Cooper’s Population Health Department also provides a variety of other community health initiatives, including health education programs, clinical screenings, presentations, community health workers, and consultations to engage, empower, and educate other vulnerable populations within the community.
Members of the community can also access a dedicated website, CooperUnite.org, to help identify free and low-cost services, such as food, transportation, utility assistance and more, in the community where they live.