Sergeant First Class Matthew Fast, an Army reservist, suddenly passed away at the age of 29. Unaware of his military experience or of his exposure to burn pits in Iraq, Matthew's healthcare providers mistook his symptoms for a common respiratory infection, leading to his untimely death due to myocarditis.  

Shockingly, Matthew's story is not unique. Veterans, National Guard, reservists, and other Warrior Community members are at a higher risk for many serious health conditions due to service-related exposures and traumas. But while the VA treats some Veterans for specific service-related conditions, there is no coordinated effort to treat the vast majority of these Americans effectively in the places where they get their care—at commercial healthcare facilities. Only 13% of Veterans' clinical encounters include a discussion about military service (Source: American Medical Association), and even fewer providers are trained in their treatment.

In the state of Maryland alone, countless Matthew Fasts are treated every day, but their wounds remain invisible.

We urgently call for the implementation of the SFC Matthew Fast Act for Warrior Healthcare, requiring all Maryland healthcare systems to:

• Screen all new and existing patients for military service or family connection, thus creating a Warrior Community patient database. 
• Specifically target the Warrior community for implemention of the National Patient Safety Goals required for accreditation by Center for Medicaid Services and The Joint Commission. 
• Publish ongoing reports detailing progress toward closing health gaps between the Warrior Community and general population.

These steps will ensure that members of the Warrior Community (Veterans, reservists, National Guard, active-duty military, and their families) receive healthcare that takes into account their unique risks,  experiences, and service to our nation.

Let there be no more Matthew Fasts. Act now.
We believe Maryland can lead the way in providing the effective, high-quality healthcare that the Warrior Community deserves. Let's ensure that our medical systems protect all who have protected us. Sign this petition to implement the SFC Matthew Fast Act for Warrior Healthcare.

If you would like to take a greater role in the movement for equitable Warrior healthcare, or if you are a Warrior with a story to tell about your own care, please email BetterWarriorCare@warriorcentrichealth.com.