This year’s Veterans Health Administration Innovation Experience (iEx)–on October 22-23–showcased the power of partnerships and innovation. The Secretary’s Center for Strategic Partnerships (SCSP) was proud to join. SCSP partners Philips, Sanford and Sprint also participated in the event.
Deborah Scher, Executive Advisor to the VA Secretary, who leads the Secretary’s Center for Partnerships, said current initiatives are aimed at increasing access for rural and low-income Veterans, delivering telehealth services, and driving precision oncology care.
“We are eager to work with our partners on innovative and bold initiatives,” Scher said. “Our collective expertise in both public and private health care allows VA to deliver the best-in-class services all Veterans deserve. We encourage meaningful dialogue between private industry and government.”
ATLAS and PHASeR
Philips Healthcare leveraged iEx to showcase the Project Advancing Telehealth through Local Access Stations, or (ATLAS). With ATLAS, Veterans can receive examinations at their local Veterans’ service organization post through virtual appointments with medical professionals across the Nation. This saves both time and money for Veterans.
The first ATLAS debuted Oct. 16, at VFW Post 6786 in Eureka, Montana, where Veterans had to travel more than 225 miles to the nearest VA medical center. VA will identify additional pilot sites in the coming months.
Sanford Health showcased the VA Pharmacogenomics Action for cancer SuRvivorship (PHASeR) testing program. The program focuses on pharmacogenetic testing, which uses a Veteran’s DNA, or genetic information, to help doctors determine prescription drugs.
The PHASeR testing program launched this year at the Durham VA Medical Center and will enroll all cancer survivors, as well as other Veterans who receive treatment at the facility. The program will expand to VA Medical Centers across the country.
This program comes at no cost for Veterans or taxpayers, thanks to a generous $25 million gift from philanthropist Denny Sanford. Sanford Health also matched the gift with fundraising.
Sprint also attended the event, demonstrating their data zero rating. Sprint is committed to working with VA to help bridge the digital divide for Veterans. Zero rating eliminates data usage charges for Veterans and caregivers while using the VA Video Connect application for their telehealth appointments
VHA’s iEx demonstrates VA innovations and the power of partnerships that impact Veterans’ lives everyday.
Shawn D. Graham is a communications manager & portfolio manager for VA’s Secretary’s Center for Strategic Partnerships
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Always be Innovating. Thanks very much, Congratulations!
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