Specifically, the Marion VA earned two triannual accreditations. One was from the Joint Commission, which is a ‘gold standard’ according to Todd Wright with the VA.
"This just certifies what we already know — that we provide excellent care to our nation’s heroes,” Wright said in an email.
According to the Marion County VA, the health system serves more than 48,000 veterans in three states, and 52 counties.
Aside from Marion, Illinois, locations include Vincennes, Indiana and Owensboro Kentucky.
The other accreditation is from the CARF — the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This organization focuses on mental health issues and is specifically recognizing programs at the Marion VA main campus.
The two programs according to Sonja Comer, assistant chief of the behavioral health team are the Psychosocial Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (P-RRTP). Wright said, “this is a residential program where Veterans live in a facility here on campus and receive treatment.”
The second program is the Intensive Community Mental Health Recovery (ICMHR). “This is a more in-depth program with a minimum of 41 visits per year,” he said.
The Joint Commission Accreditation is re-upped every three years to ensure that area veterans are receiving care that is up to standard on their campuses.
They are currently working on scheduling PACT Act town hall meetings for the late summer and early fall.
The PACT Act — The Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT), and was passed last summer. It expands veteran coverage for a range of conditions attributable to toxins experienced during service.
A PACT Act town hall was held in Evansville in February, organized by the Marion VA.