MILWAUKEE— A brand new one of a kind program is being rolled out right here in Wisconsin at the Milwaukee VA.

The emergency room is not a place many want to be. But for some veterans who are without a primary care doctor, an emergency room is usually where they end up.

“Oftentimes we will see veterans who come here three, four, times a week or in a month and that is a lot more than most people are using emergency departments,” Milwaukee VA emergency department program manager, Ben Thelen says.

However, a new program, the only one of its kind in the U.S., is now in place at the Milwaukee VA to help prevent this issue.

“Obviously, there is a need and we are extremely lucky to be able to give back to those who served our country,” West Allis fire department mobile integrated health unit captain, Armando Suarez Del Real says.

The West Allis fire department is partnering up with the VA to bring a new level of care to these high-risk veterans at their homes.

“Being able to help veterans in our community is absolutely invaluable. It’s great to work with companies as great at the VA and work with veterans who are deserving of these services and get them back in touch with the services they need,” Suarez Del Real says.

Here’s how it works: Physicians at the VA will make a referral to the mobile integrated health unit at the West Allis fire department. From there, the West Allis fire department will go to veterans' homes to make sure they are doing ok with living conditions, mental health and physical health, so they don’t need to make an unnecessary trip to the ER. Then, they will direct them to the care they need.

“We have a very firm commitment to our community to helping our citizens in any way we can, this is the future of the fire and EMS services and this is where the field is going,” Suarez Del Real says.

The program serves all veterans across Milwaukee county.​