South Jersey’s largest health system has started a new program to better serve the distinct health care needs of the local military community. The initiative by Marlton, N.J.-based Virtua Health is called “Here to Serve.”

This multidisciplinary program includes a dedicated personal health navigator who coordinates care for both veterans and active military members, particularly those stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) in Burlington County.

“Our military heroes and their families have always been there to serve our nation. It’s important that we, in turn, serve them by providing personalized, easy-to-access medical care,” said Dr. Reg Blaber, executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Virtua Health.

Dr. Blaber’s deep connection with military care helps Virtua address the unique needs of veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. He served as an internist in the U.S. Army for six years and achieved the rank of major while working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Fort Benning, and Fort Meade.

A priority of Virtua’s Here to Serve program is to increase access to health services for active-duty personnel at JB MDL.

Because medical testing and approvals can affect deployment scheduling and status, Here to Serve provides expedited access to specialty care, supplementing the services already available on base. Specifically, Virtua Health & Wellness Center - New Hanover provides advanced medical imaging and physical therapy – and is conveniently located less than a mile from the base.

“We want those who serve our nation to concentrate on getting and staying well,” said Dr. Blaber. “Our process is simple: call us and we’ll handle the details.”

To access Here to Serve, call 833-676-7677 or email heretoserve@virtua.org. For more details, visit virtua.org/HeretoServe.