United Spinal Updates, Veterans

Strengthening Our Service to Veterans with Disabilities

The United Spinal and VetsFirst team with a patient demonstrating the latest in sit-to-stand wheelchair technology at James J. Peters VA Medical Center.
The United Spinal and VetsFirst team with a patient demonstrating the latest in sit-to-stand wheelchair technology at James J. Peters VA Medical Center.

In keeping with our commitment to veterans with disabilities, and their families and caregivers, the leadership from United Spinal Association and its VetsFirst program participated in a meet-n-greet tour at the James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in the Bronx, NY on Tuesday, the 19th of February.

This visit included briefings by the lead spinal cord injury (SCI) researchers, visits with patients and staff on the SCI unit, and a sit-down conversation with the hospital administrators to discuss how best to continue serving veterans and patients with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D).

The James J. Peters VAMC is near and dear to our hearts as it is named for renowned veteran and former executive leader of United Spinal Association, Jim Peters, whose legacy is visibly tangible throughout the hospital. He is credited with raising millions of dollars for veterans with disabilities, and securing the funding that launched the in-house cutting-edge SCI/D research facility thirty years ago, and we were proud to see his vision and efforts still at work today.

Most exciting was the enthusiasm of the VAMC staff and researchers for the jobs they are doing – a passionate group determined to move the needle on caring for the complex and chronic issues that arise in their patients.

During our visit, we were also fortunate to witness and interact with patients participating in therapy and research using the latest exoskeletons and sit-n-ride mobility devices.

Historically, the VA has been among the first to test new technology, aiding in bringing the best to market by providing thorough testing and publishing their results and outcomes.

Stay tuned as we embark on listening and engagement initiatives at VAMC Spinal Centers across the country!