Multi-Agency Partnership Yields Greater Benefits for Deserving Veterans

About the Program

Category: Risk and Emergency Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

A first-ever agreement between a county and a state agency has made it possible to more effectively serve Veterans in crisis. In the spirit of doing what was best, Macomb County Veterans Services collaborated with Michigan Department of Human Resources to break down institutional communication barriers. The project involved granting access to a closely-held system of information so that caseworkers from both agencies could systematically evaluate which services and benefits were already being accessed and, more importantly, determine if additional programs that could be tapped to improve the overall quality of life for former soldiers. At very little cost, the program has offered significant assistance to Veterans facing difficult circumstances with the dignity and respect they are owed for their willingness to sacrifice their lives for the protection of our nation.