As a thank you to members of the United States Armed Forces, Richmond University Medical Center has introduced a Veterans VIP program, offering discounts and exclusive benefits for veterans seeking care at the hospital or its three primary care sites across the borough. Active, retired, or reserve members of the United States military can enroll in the program at no cost.
“This program is our way of telling veterans that everyone at RUMC thanks them for their service to our country,” president and chief executive officer, Daniel J. Messina, PhD, FACHE, said. “We worked closely with veterans organizations on Staten Island when developing this program. We wanted to make sure we included benefits that would ensure veterans who access our facilities feel like family when they are undergoing care.”
Benefits of the program include same day scheduling at RUMC’s three Immediate Care/Primary Care/Walk In Centers; free parking at the main hospital; free patient room television and/or telephone service, when admitted; complimentary access to a private maternity room, based on availability; and discounts at the hospital gift shop and Starbucks. RUMC’s three Immediate Care/Primary Care/Walk In Centers are located at 1161 Victory Boulevard, 1058 Forest Avenue, and 4360 Hylan Boulevard. VIP program members will also receive special invitations to the hospital’s golf outing, annual gala and additional special events. Due to the pandemic, most events will be held virtually.
A 24/7 behavioral health hotline has also been set-up to assist veterans who may need support for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or any behavioral health issue. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VIP program to access the hotline. The number for the hotline is 718-818-6300 and is printed on all VIP membership cards. “According to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, approximately 17 military veterans commit suicide every day,” Messina said. “Richmond University Medical Center is Staten Island’s leading provider of adult, adolescent and child behavioral health services. Our experienced experts are available every day, at any time, to assist anyone who needs immediate help. You are not alone, we are here for you.”
Veterans can enroll in the VIP program through RUMC’s website at rumcsi.org/militaryvipprogram. After completing the on-line form, veterans will also need to provide proof of service, such as a valid driver’s license with veteran designation; DD214 or VA healthcare card; or a current veteran’s organization membership card, such as the VFW or American Legion. The VIP program card will then be mailed to the member. Benefits are non-transferrable and the VIP card must be provided to access the program’s benefits.
