Chicago City Wire

For veterans in Chicago and northwest Indiana, the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center offers comprehensive care. The center has introduced a new initiative called the 'Buddy Card' to help connect veterans with VA services. These cards provide essential information for enrolling in VA care.

Staci Williams, Acting Executive Director, emphasized the importance of recommendations from trusted sources: "When it comes to receiving care, I know getting a recommendation from a trusted friend or colleague is important." She noted that veterans have unique bonds and trust each other deeply. The 'Buddy Card' initiative encourages veterans satisfied with their care to share this resource with fellow veterans.

The medical center boasts various services and high performance metrics, including a 4-star rating from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and a 93.8 trust score for fiscal year 2025. Trust scores measure organizational performance based on interactions with veterans.

Robert Christopher, Business Development Manager, highlighted the comprehensiveness of VA health care: "It covers so many services including preventative care and health screens to ensure any health concerns are identified and addressed as early as possible."

'Buddy Cards' can be found at all Jesse Brown VA locations and patient advocate offices. Veterans can also contact an eligibility specialist at (312) 569-6177 or visit in person at Jesse Brown VAMC. Enrollment is available online or by phone at (877) 222-8387.