U.S. Veterans Affairs Health System Top Employer for AARP

Author: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Published: 2009/09/24 - Updated: 2021/06/03

Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications

Synopsis: VA health care network named one of best employers for workers over 50 by AARP.

U.S. VA's health care system - the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - has more than 251,000 people in a wide array of clinical and administrative professions, including some of the most demanding medical specialties.

Introduction

The health care network operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been named as one of the best employers this year for workers over 50 by the American Association of Retired Persons - AARP.

Main Content

"Quality care is what drives VA and is our primary mission," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "VA is proud to be recognized as a top employer for the most experienced employees."

AARP's annual awards program recognizes companies and organizations with the best policies for an aging labor force.

VA's health care system - the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - has more than 251,000 people in a wide array of clinical and administrative professions, including some of the most demanding medical specialties. Nearly half of VHA employees are over the age of 50.

"In today's health care industry, being recognized for quality service and being supported by your organization is very appealing to employees who want to give their best to each life they touch, said Dr. Gerald Cross, VA's Acting Under Secretary for Health.

VA's health care system includes 153 medical centers, with at least one in each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

VA also operates 942 ambulatory care and community-based outpatient clinics, 134 nursing homes, 50 residential rehabilitation treatment programs, 232 Veterans Centers and 108 comprehensive home-care programs.

VA health care facilities provide a broad spectrum of medical, surgical and rehabilitative care.

Recipients of the AARP "Best Employers for Workers Over 50" designation are selected for their policies and practices in meeting the needs of an aging workforce.

Key areas of consideration include recruiting practices; opportunities for training; education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and pension benefits; retiree benefits; and age diversity of the workforce.

Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and published on 2009/09/24, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.