Our health system received approval to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon organization
After more than three years of hard work, Fairview Health Services is honored to be approved to become a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) organization.
BTYR is a comprehensive program overseen by the Minnesota Army National Guard that raises awareness for the purpose of connecting service members and their families with community support, training, services, and resources. Both communities and organizations can become certified by BTYR. This recognition means our health system is joining the ranks of 53 community networks and over 79 companies throughout the state that are certified.
“We are immensely proud to earn the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon designation,” said Sameer Badlani, MD, FACP, executive vice president and chief digital officer. Badlani is also the executive sponsor of Veterans Allies & Advocates, an employee resource group within Fairview for military veterans and advocates. “Fairview is committed to supporting our employees’ and patients’ military service whether they’re active duty, a veteran, or a family member. As one of the largest employers in the state of Minnesota, we have the opportunity create broader support for this community as a BTYR organization.”
To be certified, organizations like Fairview must take a number of steps, including signing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Statement of Support and the adoption of policy changes like paid leave for military training and service. For several years, the Veterans Allies & Advocates employee resource group and a steering committee have championed that work. The group has also been active in the community. Veterans Allies & Advocates members serve on the Minnesota Governor’s Challenge, providing military food support, attending hiring events, and more.
“I’m particularly thankful for the Veterans Allies & Advocates Employee Resource Group,” said James Hereford, Fairview president and CEO, in a recent Veterans Day message. “They display unwavering dedication in supporting their colleagues at Fairview and in the communities we serve.”
“The grit and determination displayed by so many involved in getting us to this place is evidence of true ‘Esprit de Corps’,” said John Marshall, contracting director for Fairview Pharmacy Services and leader of Veterans Allies & Advocates. “The steadfast support and hundreds of hours by VAA members, leadership, and employees throughout the organization has been the driving force that has gotten us to where we are today.
“We especially want to recognize Theresa Carroll for her leadership and the entire steering committee on this journey, creating transformational impact for Fairview,” Marshall said. “Personally, I am extremely proud to lead our VAA and to be part of an organization where we place such high regard on strengthening the way we deliver care through our support of the veteran community that includes both employees and patients.”
Fairview will be officially proclaimed at a ceremony in 2024.
