National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships
OCE Partnership Impact
Imerman Angels provides one-on-one support for Veterans diagnosed with cancer and their Caregivers
Imerman Angels, a cancer support community dedicated to providing free one-on-one support to individuals fighting cancer, is continuing to ensure that no one faces cancer alone during these unprecedented times. The nonprofit is exploring ways to help the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) fulfill its mission to bring the best health care solutions to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.
VHA is in the process of exploring a partnership with Imerman Angels, especially since the nonprofit helps support Veterans’ positive social determinants of health (SDOH—the conditions in the environments in which Veterans live, work, play, worship, and age). Imerman Angels provides a strong support network to address social isolation, which is a critical SDOH, and may help reduce suicide in this vulnerable group of Veterans.
This potential partnership’s overall aim is to provide more outreach to Veterans inside or outside the VA health care system. This will help Veterans and their caregivers access cancer patient support networks, educational materials and cancer survivor “mentors.”
Since 2003, Imerman Angels has been pairing individuals fighting cancer with cancer survivors to build long-lasting relationships and support systems. The nonprofit began capturing Veteran status in their questionnaire to identify another component that will enhance the effectiveness of its network. This is just one example of how partnerships are benefitting Veterans everywhere.
“Partnerships with organizations like Imerman Angels serve as force multipliers, expanding services and programs available through VHA,” said Dr. Tracy L. Weistreich, nurse executive of Office of Community Engagement (OCE). “When Veterans have access to positive SDOH, such as a one-on-one support system, they have better health outcomes.”
OCE is the Veterans Health Administration’s trusted resource and catalyst for growth of public-private partnerships. To learn more about how OCE builds effective partnerships across VHA to support Veterans, visit: https://www.va.gov/HEALTHPARTNERSHIPS/partnerships.asp.
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Posted June 08, 2020
