Care New England Celebrates Our Veterans

(Warwick, RI) -- On November 7, 2025, Care New England held a special ceremony at the VNA of Care New England to honor the significant contributions and sacrifices made by our colleagues who have served and continue to serve in the military.

Veterans and service members in our Care New England workforce are highly valuable because their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives improve patient care and team effectiveness. Veterans are trained to perform under pressure, adapt quickly to changing conditions, and work well with their colleagues.

“In addition to the tremendous responsibility our team shoulders every day, delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the patients and families in our community, our colleagues in service have also accepted the extraordinary responsibility of serving our country,” said Michael Wagner, MD, president and CEO of Care New England Health System. “We are deeply grateful for our veterans who remind us every day what true dedication looks like.”

Care New England has previously honored our veteran colleagues at Kent Hospital and Women & Infants Hospital. However, this year, the event takes place at the VNA of Care New England because of an important step the VNA is taking with veterans through our partnership with the We Honor Veterans program. “Care New England and our VNA team are deeply committed to ensuring that every veteran receives the respect and compassionate care they deserve, especially as they are near the end of life,” said Jane Pike-Benton, president, VNA of Care New England. “This initiative allows us to better understand the unique experiences and needs of those who served, honoring their courage through compassionate listening and grateful acknowledgment of their life stories as a focus of the care we provide.”

Joining us in recognizing these outstanding individuals were Dr. Michael Wagner, President and CEO, Care New England Health System; Jane Pike-Benton, President, VNA of Care New England; Rhode Island Congressman Gabe Amo; Sen. Bridget Valverde; Rep. Jackie Baginski; Rep. Marie Hopkins; Major General Andrew Chevalier, Adjutant General of the RI National Guard; and Director of Rhode Island Veteran Services Kasim Yarn.

About Care New England
Care New England Health System is a trusted organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation’s top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.

CNE was founded in 1996, and today it is the parent organization of Butler Hospital, Kent Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, Care New England Medical Group, the VNA of Care New England, The Providence Center, and Integra, a certified accountable care organization (ACO). Care New England includes 749 licensed beds and 102 infant bassinets. Through Butler, Kent, and Women & Infants hospitals, Care New England has a teaching and research affiliation with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Kent is also a teaching affiliate of The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine.

About VNA of Care New England
The VNA of Care New England, a member of Care New England, is a non-profit, Medicare-and Medicaid-certified visiting nurse, home health care, hospice, and palliative care agency. The VNA also provides additional community services through Blackstone Health, including adult day care and congregate meal sites. Since 1908, the agency has had a rich history as a trusted community resource, providing Rhode Islanders with quality health care in their homes, including a comprehensive line of cardiac, pulmonary, rehabilitative, palliative care, and hospice services. In 2025, the VNA of Care New England maintains the highest CNS 5-star rating for home health patient experience and a 4-star rating for hospice family experience. VNA of Care New England is accredited by the Joint Commission.