Veteran Receives Universal Care at VA
U.S. Navy Veteran Joseph Hess gives praise to the care he receives at the Cape May County Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Rio Grande, New Jersey.
"It is a one stop shop,” said Hess. “It’s unbelievable. Anytime I go in…everyone is so nice and friendly. They show concern…”
Hess is a regular patient at the Cape May, NJ CBOC but while visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, he needed care and was able to be seen and have his issue resolved the same day at the Myrtle Beach VA CBOC.
Mr. Hess found that this great care was universal between these two VA clinics. Hess urges his peers to learn more about VA benefits.
In addition, Hess has received VA benefit resources through his primary care team. The nurses at Cape May Clinic, like Dr. Jennifer Mangold and registered nurse Marie Orth-Neher, put together a welcome folder which is introduced and explained during a Veteran’s initial visit.
“I act as their health coach,” said Dr. Mangold. “I educate about disease prevention, health promotion, and try to provide encouragement to make the best health choices.”
“She knows exactly what to do,” said Hess about Dr. Mangold. “They always push me in the right direction.”
“Explaining the process to the Vets can be complicated and frustrating, so taking some time to explain the system is important,” said Orth-Neher. “I try and make them realize they are important and not a number.”
Nurse Orth-Neher started with the VA in September and has 30 years’ experience in the private sector. Dr. Mangold has been with the VA for 15 years and has one son in the U.S. Marine Corps and two sons in the U.S. Coast Guard.
To register for VA health care visit Register for Care | VA Wilmington Health Care | Veterans Affairs or call 1 (302) 994-2511 x5212.