Caring for the Commonwealth: How Guthrie Connects Veterans to Community Resources

Initiative focuses on serving those who served

November 11, 2026

HAP’s Caring for the Commonwealth series showcases the innovative programs led by Pennsylvania hospitals and health systems—and, most importantly, the difference they make for communities. The series brings these stories to life, highlighting how our members are improving health and creating stronger, healthier communities.

Sometimes the difference between knowing what care you need and getting it is a matter of access. Leaders at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital are bridging that gap for our state’s veterans by helping them find and navigate resources. 

The hospital created a dedicated Veterans Resource Room, where veterans and their families can access information, assistance, and technology in one convenient location.

“Our Veterans Resource Program has been going very well and continues to be an important resource for our community. We’re assisting veterans and their families through hundreds of visits each year, helping connect them with information and resources that can sometimes be difficult to navigate,” said Joseph Sawyer, senior vice president, president of Guthrie's Pennsylvania Regional Hospitals. “We recently moved the Veterans Resource Room to a more prominent location right off the main atrium entrance on our campus, making it even easier for veterans and their families to find and access the support they need.”

The initiative focuses on navigation and access rather than simply providing another program, he said. The resource room provides veterans a physical place to find information, while computers and an online resource page help them connect with health care services electronically.

Here are a few key takeaways:

• Identified a significant access gap:  The hospital serves approximately 50,000 veterans across 12 counties, each with only one local Veterans Affairs office and limited hours.
• Serves more than patients:  The room is available to all local veterans, their families, and community members, including families of deceased veterans seeking information.
• Provides a central source of information:  The room contains flyers, educational materials, local resources, and FAQs addressing common questions and recurring issues.
• Helps veterans navigate health care:  Veterans and their families can go online to access the organization's electronic health record system. Access is also available through a Veterans Resource web page.
• Demonstrated an immediate need:  Visitors reported that the resource room provided helpful information to support their health care needs. Materials are regularly taken from the room and restocked, indicating ongoing community engagement.
• Designed for expansion:  The organization plans to establish additional Veterans Resource Rooms at other locations to improve geographic accessibility.

HAP's Caring for the Commonwealth series presents impactful programs led by our members. If you have an interesting story to share, please contact Kim Yakowski, HAP’s manager, media relations.