Inova Military to Medicine Program Vying for $250,000 Pepsi Grant

Award to Fund Training for Vets, Wounded Warriors, Military Spouses

Falls Church, VA – (October 4, 2010) – Inova Health System’s Military to Medicine Program is vying for a $250,000 grant to benefit military family members who desire training and employment in healthcare.

All funds received will be used to fund scholarships to the Military to Medicine healthcare coursework. The grant is funded by Pepsi as part of a nationwide contest to find ideas that will ‘refresh’ communities. The individual or organization with the most votes during October will win the grant.

“Nothing ‘refreshes’ the spirit of an individual or the community more than meaningful employment,” said Daniel Nichols, Executive Director, Military to Medicine, Inova Health System. “The funds from this grant will help us train our Veterans, wounded warriors, National Guard, Reservists and military spouses. But winning will require millions of votes. We’re calling on the public to vote daily for Military to Medicine to show support for military families.”

Training for healthcare careers makes sense for military families – it’s an industry seeking quality employees and the experience gained, easily moves as military families relocate. Military to Medicine provides training that leads to entry-level healthcare positions or for those with healthcare experience, it provides access to a national network of hiring employers.

“This contest provides an easy and quick way for a grateful nation to thank its service members and their families for their sacrifices,” said Nichols. “The scholarships we provide often are the “new start” military families need following an injury or transition from the military.”

For more information about Military to Medicine, visit militarytomedicine.org. For more about the Pepsi Refresh grants, visit refresheverything.com/m2m if you’d like to text vote, text* 103247 to Pepsi (73774) *Standard text messaging rates apply.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.