We appreciate all the healthcare leaders who have been asking about the progress of the Heroes to Healthcare (H2H) program.

We are pleased to inform you that all of our interactions, may it be with healthcare organizations, US Department of Labor (DoL) or with veterans, continue to validate the impact H2H is making in addressing healthcare talent needs while providing meaningful employment for veterans.

Recent Achievements

ImPowerQ Associates has been recognized as an ‘Eligible Training Provider’ in Texas, therefore, allowing for funding to be pursued from State Workforce Development grants. This recognition is critically important in continuing to create economic incentives for employers as well as provide the necessary funding to develop veteran presentation and communications skills prior to interviewing.

 ImPowerQ Associates has been certified by several of the 28 Texas Workforce Commission boards as a regional provider. This allows for funding to be available for veterans in those regions to participate in H2H without requiring employer sponsorship. We are working on being certified by all 28 Texas boards and will use this model to increase employment opportunities in other states.

 Within our Veteran Integration Program, we have submitted two additional Apprenticeship designs to DoL for approval. Per our discussions with employers, Cyber Security Analyst and Medical Coder have also been identified as "in demand" and ideally aligned roles for veteran talent. These programs would model existing approved apprenticeship and be a track within Heroes to Healthcare. Also under review is Certified Medical Assistant apprenticeship as an entry point into the current Healthcare Administration Apprenticeship.

We have been invited to present the Heroes to Healthcare model in Washington DC on On May 4th, to the American Hospital Association National Workforce Liaisons. We expect a significant increase in awareness and demand for our corpsman and medics.

March Pilot

Of 260 applicants to H2H, 33 made it through our selection process. Of the 33, 21 were invited to the in-person Vet Prep Workshop and hiring event.

Employers present were: Methodist Health, Children’s Health, Oculus, Baylor Scott and Veritex who conducted three interviews offsite.

 In comparison to a non-veteran hire, each veteran hired in the H2H apprenticeship model leads to an average of $28,000 real savings after expenses. This savings does not consider improved productivity, quality, etc and does not include the up to $9600 tax credit per hire.

Mr. E. Kenneth Hutchenrider Jr., FACHE. President of Methodist Health System speaks to H2H participants

Learnings

 Following DoL approval, the VA also must approve each employer partner before housing allowance is made available to the veteran. This requirement will be met only if an employer signs a simple agreement establishing their intent to support the veteran hire in the apprenticeship program we designed per the DoL standards. ImPowerQ is legally bound to be responsible to execute in partnership with the employer and do ALL the necessary monitoring and report but employer MUST formally agree to participate. We are now working with employers prior to proceeding further with recruitment to get this agreement signed and for the VA to perform an onsite certification.

Employer recruiting cycles are very lengthy and veterans not only struggle financially while waiting, some may also take on a job at ‘underemployment’, just to bring in basic earnings. Our selected veterans are a talented pool with a lot of potential but prolonged hiring cycles pose a big challenge both financially and emotionally.

Employers Needed

The jobs bring the funding that provides for the development that positions these veterans for success while the employer obtains great talent and economic benefit.  As we have proven in our pilot, the talent is plentiful though despite a tremendous amount of open positions in healthcare we need employer commitment.  We ask that you please help us bring awareness to this program with employers and public institutions.  

Thank you for all of your support and partnership!

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Heroes to Healthcare will be sponsoring a Carry the Load team this year consisting of healthcare experienced veterans from throughout DFW. Please considering joining us or donating to this great cause.