October 29 virtual convening to include announcement of landmark veteran caregiver study, panels on caregiver inclusion and employment, and caregiver career fair
WASHINGTON, D.C (October 12, 2021) – The Elizabeth Dole Foundation and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairswill co-host the sixth annual National Convening on Veteran Caregivers, “Driving Impact and Making a Difference,”on October 29, 11 a.m. ET – 2:30 p.m. ET through a virtual program that is free to the public.
Presented by Philips, this year’s event will focus on fostering a more caregiver inclusive VA, examining the challenges and opportunities for caregivers in the workplace, and announcing the next stage of caregiver research, which will build on the Foundation’s original landmark study released in 2014. Caregivers will have the chance to interact directly with Fortune 500 companies and national employers with caregiver-friendly job opportunities during a virtual career fair, made possible by Booz Allen Hamilton.
This convening has become the nation’s premiere event on veteran caregiving. National leaders, subject matter experts, caregivers, advocates, and practitioners come together around the latest developments and innovation in the caregiver space.
A full agenda can be found here. Highlights include:
- Senator Elizabeth Dole officially marking the start of the Foundation’s 10th Anniversary and highlighting the latest initiatives underway in support of veteran caregivers.
- The Honorable Denis McDonough, Secretary of Veterans Affairs providing an update on the VA’s efforts to better support caregivers and assist them in caring for their loved ones.
- Announcement of a landmark study and interactive session with Steve Schwab, CEO of Elizabeth Dole Foundation; Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington, CEO of Wounded Warrior Project®; and Dr. Rajeev Ramchand, Co-director of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute.
- Presentation of the Campaign for Inclusive Care Awards to VA professionals with exceptional dedication to empowering and including caregivers in their veteran’s treatment plans.
The National Convening is also made possible thanks to generous support of Wounded Warrior Project®.
The National Convening is a part of a month of events hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that will virtually bring together military caregivers, and local, state, and federal leaders from across the country. Other events include the 4th Annual Heroes and History Makers, featuring actor and Hidden Heroes Campaign Chair Tom Hanks; TODAY Co-Host Savannah Guthrie; actor, humanitarian, and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation Gary Sinise; Country Music Icon Lee Greenwood, and a special performance by Lady A on October 28 at 8pm ET.
About the Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program
The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) focuses on the needs of Veteran caregivers. The CSP offers two programs to support caregivers of eligible Veterans, the Program of General Caregiver Support Services and the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. Caregivers of Veterans in both CSP programs have access to education/training, self-care classes, diagnosis-specific support groups, respite care, peer mentoring, the Caregiver Support Line, the CSP website, along with other VA services. In addition, Caregiver Support Coordinators, licensed clinicians located at every VA medical center, are available to offer support and help connect caregivers to needed resources. Caregivers and Veterans can learn about the full range of available support and programs by visiting www.caregiver.va.gov, contacting the Caregiver Support Line toll-free at 1-855-260-3274, and through their local VA Caregiver Support Program.
About Elizabeth Dole Foundation and Hidden Heroes
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 5.5 million military caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and promote their well-being. Learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation at hiddenheroes.org.
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips’ health technology portfolio generated 2018 sales of EUR 18.1 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.
