Rush University Medical Center Information Services Department

Hiring Veterans

Veteran Numbers

• 21.2 million Americans are veterans

• 9.8 million of those veterans are in the workforce

• In the coming years we can expect over a million more service-members to reintegrate into society

• 44% of veterans have “readjustment difficulties”

– Social isolation

– Mental health issues

– Physical and psychological disability

The cost…

• Depression alone could cost the nation 83.1 billion dollars per year

• Major depressive disorder, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder are significantly associated with decreased time management and work output.

• Further research on the topic would be beneficial in determining fiscal workforce consequences

Getting Help Lack of Benefits Knowledge

• Over 50% of veterans have little to no understanding of the benefits that are due to them

• Only 56% of this generation’s veterans are using the VA for their healthcare

• Veteran’s benefits are being explained during demobilization process when emotions are overwhelming

Social Withdrawal

• Social isolation and withdrawal are common symptoms among reintegrating veterans

• Military units create uncommonly strong bonds.

• With military separation comes the loss of an entire culture as well as many friendships.

Service Opportunities

• Service opportunities are helping veterans regain their sense of purpose.

• 92% of recent veterans desire to give something back to the community

• “Once you have that attitude, that instilled character to serve your nation, to contribute to the greater cause, the greater purpose, it never leaves you”

Information ServicesHiring Vets

• Identify veterans through various partnerships– VA

– Various Illinois Veterans Programs

– Patients

– Word of mouth

– Vendor consortium

• Interview

• Provide Training

• Get them a job – somewhere else