In honor of Veterans Day, on November 10th, Holy Cross Hospital hosted a free lunch in the hospital cafeteria for the Veterans of Taos County as a gesture of gratitude to the brave men and women of our community that served in the armed forces. Their selflessness, dedication, and sacrifice deserve our utmost respect. In Taos, we are fortunate to have a community enriched by the contributions of our Veterans, who have not only defended our nation but have also played an integral role in shaping the fabric of our local society. As we reflect on the significance of Veterans Day, let us take a moment to recognize and appreciate the indomitable spirit of our Veterans, whose courage and commitment continue to inspire us all. Thank you for your service, sacrifice, and the enduring example of honor you bring to Taos County.
Staff from Holy Cross Medical Center: Julian Jaramillo (US Army & NM National Guard), Victor “Chico” Estrada (US Army), James Kiser, and Vivian Santistevan (US Army) at the first annual Veterans lunch held on November 10th, 2023
“Inviting our Taos County Veterans to join us for a free meal and sharing in that camaraderie with Veterans from all branches and eras of service, was such an honor to host,” said Vivian Santistevan, Chief Human Resources Officer and a retired US Army Veteran. “When our CEO, James Kiser announced that HCMC is now accepting TriWest and the Veterans lunch would be an annual event, the 65 Veterans who attended the meal sounded off with a resounding Hoorah!”
Holy Cross Hospital is proud to announce that TriWest Healthcare Alliance insurance is now accepted at the hospital as well as the Holy Cross outpatient clinics. Holy Cross Medical Center is not only reinforcing its commitment to Veterans but is also playing a pivotal role in ensuring that they can access the healthcare they deserve without having to leave Taos.
By becoming a member of the TriWest network, Holy Cross Medical Center is not only offering access to emergency services to Veterans, it is opening the door to its extended network of clinics. This means that Veterans will now be able to utilize services from Holy Cross Hospital, Women’s Health Institute, Taos Surgical Specialties, Taos Primary Care, and Holy Cross Cardiology. This broadens the spectrum of healthcare services available to Veterans within Taos. Whether it’s routine medical check-ups, specialized treatments, or urgent care needs, Veterans can now access a continuum of care at various locations across Taos.
TriWest insurance, which serves as a primary conduit for Veterans to access healthcare through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is widely recognized for its comprehensive coverage. By accepting TriWest, Holy Cross is not only opening its doors to Veterans but is also aligning itself with a network that understands and caters to the unique healthcare needs of those who have served in the armed forces.
For Veterans residing in Taos, the integration of TriWest insurance at Holy Cross and its affiliated clinics brings a host of benefits. One such benefit is eliminating the need for Veterans to travel long distances for medical care. Veterans often face challenges accessing specialized services within their local communities, necessitating long trips to VA facilities out of town. Now, with TriWest coverage accepted at Holy Cross, Veterans can receive high-quality, specialized care without the need to leave Taos. “Holy Cross has already received so much gratitude from Veterans in our community. I have had several say how appreciative they are, not having to make regular burdensome trips to Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We are grateful for their service and they are grateful we are able to serve them, in some small way.” Said James Kiser, CEO of Holy Cross Medical Center.
This initiative goes beyond mere convenience; it underscores Holy Cross Medical Center’s commitment to community health. By expanding the range of accepted insurance plans, the medical center is contributing to the overall well-being of the community it serves. The decision to include Holy Cross Hospital and its outpatient clinics in the TriWest network aligns with Holy Cross’ broader mission to improve healthcare accessibility for all residents of Taos. Holy Cross is proud to provide care for those who have sacrificed for our country.