Commitment to Army health care grows

By Mr. Matthew D Hickman (ARNEWS)May 21, 2010

Commitment to Army healthcare grows
The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Commander and Installation Commander Maj. Gen. Nick Justice signs the Army Healthcare Covenant May 20 along side Garrison Commander and Deputy Installation Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz at a ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - Aberdeen Proving Ground became the latest installation to adopt the U.S. Army's Healthcare Covenant May 20 as APG senior leaders pledged to serve the community with the best medical care possible.

The covenant demonstrates a clear commitment to sustain a high level of care for Soldiers and the Army community.

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command and Installation Commander Maj. Gen. Nick Justice, Garrison Commander and Deputy Installation Commander Col. Orlando Ortiz and Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic Commander Lt. Col. Mark Ireland all inked their names to the contract at a signing ceremony held at the medical facility.

Installation leaders renewed their pledge to the Army Family Covenant during Armed Forces Week one year ago, and Ortiz said this new covenant will work in conjunction with that promise representing a willingness to move forward and serve all well. The two will bring an intense synergy together.

"I've had first-hand experience with the medical staff here," said Ortiz, who has received medical attention twice at KUSAHC after accidents. "I know the good work you do here and I know what you're capable of."

Justice expressed his gratitude to the APG medical division, and said this covenant is symbolic of the sense of community that is one of the great things about the Army. He said that a competent medical department is crucial at this installation.

"We do nuclear, biological and chemical work here and we need good medical support and a good medical staff," Justice added.

The day served as momentum for change on the installation that's ongoing, and Ireland said the best today will not be the best of the future. "As APG transforms we will transform with it."

Ireland said the medical staff here has always been committed to providing the very best care to all patients, but with a new covenant come an increased focus in different areas. This includes changes in:

Aca,!AcSubstance abuse programs

Aca,!AcRestructured health promotion commission

Aca,!AcImproved quality outcomes and services

The APG medical community has been busy lately establishing partnerships with John Hopkins University, hiring new healthcare specialists and gaining new medical technology each intended to save the lives of Soldiers and Army civilians.

"The Army medical community has been making contributions to Warriors and we're ready to contribute to the research and development community," Ireland said.

Medicine changes continuously and Ireland echoed the holistic approach that the Army healthcare community is moving toward. "We want to look at the whole person, the physical, psychological and spiritual."

Justice emphasized that he fully supports the Army Healthcare Covenant and the initiatives Ireland and his medical staff are launching.

"Thank you for being here to serve us," he said.

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Aberdeen Proving Ground