A Home for Veterans
Sanford Health is dedicated to giving current and past military members exceptional care and employment opportunities.
As a provider, employer and partner of choice for veterans, we honor their sacrifices and offer a welcoming environment that supports military members and their families. At Sanford Health, you’ll find a variety of programs created especially for you. Explore your care programs and career opportunities below.
Exceptional Care for Patients
We work to support veterans and current military members with programs designed to meet their care needs.
We offer:
- Sanford Veterans Clubs: Our medical centers in Fargo, North Dakota, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, welcome patients with military experience. Our Sanford Veterans Clubs are private, peaceful places with coffee, computer access and lounge areas featuring game tables and TV. Learn more about these amenities.
- Veteran Ambassador Program: We actively seek out volunteers with a military background for our Veteran Ambassador Program. These volunteers visit fellow veteran patients to help make them feel at home during their hospital stays. Learn more about this program.
- Veteran Hotline: The Sanford Veteran Information Hotline provides veterans with a single point of contact for questions. Call (800) 949-1848 to reach the hotline.
Opportunities for Veteran Employees
Sanford Health is a veteran- and military-friendly workplace. We’re here to offer benefits and employment programs to support you during and after your service.
Our programs include:
- Continuation of Benefits: Servicemen and servicewomen can continue their employment benefits during qualified military deployments.
- Differential Pay Policy: Sanford Health employees who are members of the National Guard or Army Reserve receive supplemental compensation during qualified military deployments of up to 12 months.
- Education Scholarships: Veterans or National Guard, Army Reserve or active-duty military service members are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship from Sanford Health.
- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR): Sanford Health signed a statement pledging to support the military services of employees and advocate for employee participation in the military.
- Remembering Everyone Deployed (R.E.D): All employees are encouraged to show their support and gratitude for deployed service members by wearing red shirts on Fridays.
- Veteran of the Year Award: Each year, we recognize a veteran employee for the work he or she does to influence the lives of others. This award encompasses all Sanford Health locations and regions.
- Partners for Youth Success (PaYS): Sanford Health partners with the United States Army to guarantee young military members an interview and possible employment after their military service.
Community Support for Veterans, Military Members & Their Families
Sanford Health cares for veterans and their families and wants to connect you with the services you need and deserve.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line offers confidential support for veterans, National Guard and Reserve military members, service members and their loved ones 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The crisis line is available to you even if you do not receive VA benefits or health care.
To connect with a caring responder who is ready to offer confidential crisis support:
- Dial 988, then press 1
- Visit the Veterans Crisis Line to access the online live chat
- Text 838255
Bereavement Counseling
The surviving spouse, child or parent of a service member who died while serving may qualify for bereavement counseling through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Vet Centers. Bereavement counseling, also known as “grief counseling,” provides support for people after the death of a loved one.
VA benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors and Family Caregivers
Spouses and dependent children of a veteran or service member may qualify for:
- Health care
- Life insurance
- Money to assist with school or training
Survivors of a veteran or service member may also qualify for added benefits including help with burial costs and survivor compensation. Learn more about family member benefits.
National Association of County Veterans Service Officers
Need assistance? Want advice?
County Veterans Service Officers help veterans and their families access the benefits and support they need. They offer specialized knowledge of available services and a compassionate understanding of the problems veterans and their loved ones face.
Sanford Health works with a variety of organizations to support military families.
Inspiring stories
Veteran with cancer from toxic exposure still serving others
A retired Navy veteran, Capt. Paul Weckman buzzed his hair before cancer treatment to help raise money and awareness for the Sanford Military and Veteran Fund at the Sanford Health Foundation.
Air Force planner uses SkillBridge to land Sanford career
Looking for a civilian job, Senior Master Sgt. Mandy Jordan used SkillBridge to help land an internship at Sanford Health which eventually led to a full-time job at the organization.
Brotherhood of veterans serves at Sanford AirMed
After serving in the military, a group of retired military veterans works together at Sanford AirMed in Bismarck to help save lives in rural North Dakota.
Wellness Center teammates take honor flight together
Army veteran and former Sanford Wellness Center director Cal Hanson was one of 85 veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars who took part in the Midwest Honor Flight’s 22nd mission. Hanson was accompanied by former Sanford teammate and mentee Denise McGraw on the flight to Washington, D.C.