They Laughed When We Began, But Just Look at Us Now...
The Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln was formed in February of 2009, by Dr. Christine Emler MD and Terry Gillispie, a volunteer from Lincoln, NE. The Group originally met in the old ‘Canteen Room’ on the South end of the old VA Hospital building in Lincoln.
The Mission of VAG Lincoln ...
The Mission of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is to enhance the quality of the Lincoln Clinic patient by guiding Veterans through the system, making it a better experience, providing Veteran input to the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team, and develop events that encourage participation of the community.
The Goal of VAG Lincoln
The goal of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is to improve Veteran satisfaction, and advise on policies and practices supporting Veteran and family centered care:
- VAG Lincoln Members work with Veterans, their families, and the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team.
- VAG Lincoln Members serve as an active resource to the Lincoln Clinic Staff with input and feedback on specific issues or projects, and to promote understanding of the services and policies of the Lincoln Clinic.
- VAG Lincoln Members review issues and concerns referred to them and provide recommendations to the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team.
The Structure and Membership of VAG Lincoln
VAG Lincoln consists of a maximum of 15 Veterans with no affiliation to the Lincoln Clinic. At minimum, one member of the Lincoln Clinic Site Management Team attends each meeting and serves as the overseer of the Council. One person serves as administrative assistant, and this person can either be a Veteran and/or a Lincoln Clinic staff, but will not have voting rights.
- VAG Lincoln Members are encouraged to actively participate in monthly meetings, and typically participate on at least one committee or project
- VAG Lincoln Members work to ensure all Veterans in Communities served by the Lincoln Clinic are aware of their healthcare opportunities
- VAG Lincoln Members provide feedback as requested.
- VAG Lincoln Members supplement the Lincoln Clinic recruiting and retention of Veterans
- VAG Lincoln Members serve a maximum term limit of five years
- VAG Lincoln Members may resign at any time
- VAG Lincoln Members vote on the resignation of Members who are unable to attend monthly meetings in the calendar year. After resignation, VAG Lincoln may choose to replace the position or leave it open.
The Vision of VAG Lincoln
The vision of the Veterans Advisory Group of Lincoln is for Veterans and their families to have a compassionate and supportive health care experience. To achieve this, a collaborative involvement of Veterans and their families is fundamental. VAG Lincoln aspires to:
- Advise on policies and practices to support Veteran and family centered care as requested.
- Continue to improve Veteran and family satisfaction
- Ensure all veterans served by Lincoln Clinic are aware of their healthcare opportunities
- Support the strategic initiatives of VHA