This month, the Marion County Hospital District (MCHD) is proud to spotlight Vet Resource Center (VRC), a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting veterans.
A Mission That Saves Lives
Under the leadership of President and Director Stephen Petty, Captain, U.S. Army, Retired, the VRC has launched a groundbreaking initiative to protect veterans from the long-term health effects of toxic exposures during service, such as burn pits and Agent Orange. With support from MCHD, VRC is bringing cutting-edge medical technology directly to veterans who need it most.
The Challenge: A Race Against Time
For many veterans who served in Southwest Asia from the Gulf War to recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fight didn’t end when they returned home. Toxic exposures can trigger aggressive cancers that appear decades earlier than standard medical protocols anticipate.
Because routine screenings often start at age 40–50, younger veterans fall into a dangerous gap: they may feel healthy but harbor silent, fast-moving illnesses. By the time symptoms appear, the disease is often advanced.
VRC’s mission is to detect these illnesses early, giving veterans a fighting chance through advanced early-warning testing.
How Our Partnership Makes a Difference
MCHD is proud to support VRC in overcoming the biggest barrier to early detection, cost.
Together, we are:
Funding Advanced Testing
Early-warning cancer detection kits, which typically cost nearly $1,000, are now provided free of charge to eligible veterans.
Expanding Outreach
By leveraging corporate partnerships, VRC can reach working-age veterans through onsite testing at local employers.
Ensuring Rapid Response
Veterans who test positive are connected immediately with high-level diagnostic care, eliminating months-long delays.
By the Numbers: Saving Lives in Marion County
Marion County is home to an estimated 50,000 veterans. Our combined outreach efforts include TV spots, newspaper ads, and dedicated volunteers, including a Command Sergeant Major coordinating local efforts.
Since launching the program:
- First Test Administered: Jan. 6
- Tests Completed: Nearly 250, with more scheduled
- Community Outreach: Over 2,500 individuals and 75 organizations engaged
A Life Saved
One early success story highlights the program’s impact: A veteran tested positive for early-stage pancreatic and bile duct cancer. Thanks to the test, the condition was caught at Stage 1, allowing for immediate treatment and a dramatically improved prognosis.
Looking Ahead
The Vet Resource Center continues to educate the community on the importance of early detection. Stephen Petty reminds veterans and civilians alike to listen to their bodies: Be aware of unexplained weight loss, persistent sores, or chronic coughs should never be ignored.
MCHD is honored to stand alongside VRC as they turn the tide against veteran cancer.
Are you a veteran in Marion County? Learn more about early detection kits or support the Vet Resource Center by visiting VRC’s website at vetresourcecenter.com.
