The document discusses challenges faced by veterans reintegrating into civilian life, including social isolation, mental health issues, and lack of understanding of available benefits. It states that around 44% of veterans experience readjustment difficulties, and depression alone could cost the US $83.1 billion per year in lost productivity. Over 50% of veterans do not fully understand the benefits available to them. However, the document also notes that service opportunities can help veterans regain a sense of purpose, and that 92% want to continue contributing to their community. It concludes by outlining the Information Services Department's plan to identify and hire veterans through various partnerships and training programs.

1. Rush University Medical Center
Information Services Department
Hiring Veterans

2. 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

29. 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

34. 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

37. 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.

53. 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”

60. Information Services
Hiring 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