Michael ‘Ed’ Hogg, a biomedical technician at Western North Carolina VA, is making waves with his recent innovation to improve accessibility for Veterans.
While he was at the cafeteria in the Charles George VA, Hogg noticed a Veteran in a wheelchair struggling to reach the food tray after placing an order. He assisted the Veteran and realized the pressing need for a more accessible solution for individuals with mobility challenges.
Hogg contacted his supervisor who directed him to innovation specialist Dr. Nora Holmes to help refine his ideas. “Pharmacies, banks, there are so many places that use those accessible drawers,” Hogg explained, emphasizing the simplicity yet effectiveness of his concept.
Worked with a local metal shop to create the final product
Hogg assembled a team and began measuring and designing a prototype for an accessible food drawer tailored to the cafeteria environment. Despite initial challenges in finding an existing design, he persevered, creating a cardboard prototype and discussing it with cafeteria supervisors to ensure it met the needs of both Veterans and staff.
After several modifications, he partnered with a local metal shop to create the final product. The development process spanned approximately six months with assistance from maintenance mechanic Glenn Nye.
“Thanks to this event, I learned about the innovation efforts within the hospital. I appreciated how leadership supported my idea,” Hogg shared.
Holmes elaborated on the initiative, highlighting the importance of small changes that can significantly improve daily experiences for Veterans: “It may seem like a little thing, but if you are having a bad day, it’s just one more avoidable frustration.”
The newly installed drawer has already garnered positive feedback from both Veterans and cafeteria employees, streamlining the food service process.
Identifying innovations that improve health care for Veterans
Hogg (pictured above) got the attention and support of local leadership by pitching his idea as part of the Innovator’s Network Spark-Seed-Spread application process. Spark-Seed-Spread is an employee investment program focused on identifying and accelerating front-line employee-inspired innovations that improve health care experiences for Veterans, families, caregivers and employees.
The Spark-Seed-Spread program has been the launching pad for several successful innovation projects within VA facilities, including initiatives implemented nationwide by multiple VA health care facilities.
Among these projects are white noise machines designed to facilitate sleep and reduce anxiety; VEText Prescription Enhancements; WADO, a locally supported recording studio and various applications of virtual reality to improve health care.
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I would like for someone in the VA to recognize an innovation of a place that’s in Helena Montana. In fact, it’s a VA facility at a place called Fort Harrison.
It’s the RRTP (Residential Rehab Treatment Program Romeo, Romeo, Tango Papa).
I want to get on my soapbox & to send this message all over this country of ours.
While going to mental health therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada,
My VA counselor mentioned to me about a place in Helena, Montana called Fort Harrison, RRTP Program.
This place is a diamond in the rough for all veterans regardless of era of service, I was the only Vietnam Vet amongst Iraq & Afghan veterans, so I felt like a fish out of water & someone out of their history all rolled up into one. Still I faced an unknown & a uncertainty when I left Las Vegas heading towards that destination that had accepted my presence.
This is also a VA hospital, pharmacy, a housing for homeless vets right there on campus, etc. Which may I add that they’re short staffed & also need more housing for the homeless. There’s no veteran turned away. They also have a lot of Native American veterans from around the surrounding reservations as patients.
They deal with Substance Abuse, Alcohol, Drugs, PTSD & Homeless.
From the time you report, you walk in & the nursing staff welcomes you, takes you to your own room, goes through every piece of your clothing & whatever else you brought, takes your car keys from you if you drove, immediately hooks you up with a pharmacist, who’s unbelievable as far as being skilled in his field.
For 45 days, you’re housed with Substance Abuse & PTSD veterans. You’ll receive 3 square meals a day, with vitals taken & meds given out at certain times of the day or night.
They have town outings in case you need something from the store. It’s a warm, friendly, catering, supportive, controlled atmosphere. If anyone needs any further details, I’m available for comments or concerns.
Now the best part, 5 days a week from 9am to 4pm, there’s classes, yes I said classes. Group classes taught by the very best, talented, Instructors, Counselors, Therapists & Peer Support Specialists I’ve ever seen.
Their efforts were genuine, not just a 7:30 to 4:30 day on the clock. They’re all giving it their all day after day with whoever walks through their doors or is seated in their classrooms searching for help.
It’s a place to feel safe, while working & living with all the different personalities. I sure wished the Vietnam Vets had this kind of place to go to back in the day. The days I spent there, was a definite help in my battle with PTSD. I give them all a standing ovation for the large part they’re playing towards the many veterans going through their pains.
I will always be a believer & an advocate for the RRTP program.
These people who work under your umbrella leaves no veteran behind. Their sacrifices & knowledge is beyond excellent, they’ve raised the bar in going above & beyond their talents.
I don’t know all their names, so forgive me on that part but
Curtis, Julie, Ericka, Stephanie, Christine, Bethany, Antwoin, Dr. Bennet, Dr. Jen Rivers, Ryan, Dr. Keaton Labreal & I’m so sorry for more of the staff, nurses & others I’ve failed to mention.
This institution & people should have a plaque raised in their name & tireless efforts. They’re really understaffed & needing more therapists & counselors for teaching purposes. It’s a place where it should be nationally recognized for all it’s work in helping our veterans coming back to our country, needing help & not just being another statistic.
Thank you for your time
Bobby Gipson, class of 1/9 – 2/5/2024 at the RRTP Program