Staff from SHAPE Health Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic gathered to celebrate and honor the clinics’ extraordinary legacy, Dec. 13, 2024. The Brussels Army Health Clinic Brussels was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE health facility, in Mons, Belgium, was established in 1968. The ceremony celebrated both past achievements and enduring partnerships between Allies of NATO. (U.S. Army photo by Richard Komurek)
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SHAPE, Belgium – Staff from the SHAPE Health Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic came together to celebrate and honor the clinics’ extraordinary legacy, Dec. 13, 2024. These institutions exemplify their dedication steadfast in supporting NATO and U.S. military personnel and their families through a comprehensive health services approach.
This event not only commemorates a historic milestone in military medicine, but also recognizes the resilience and commitment that has allowed these installations to evolve since their inception during World War II. Over the decades, they have become essential centers of multinational medical support, providing a wide range of services to service members and their families from various countries.
As we reflect on this journey, we recognize the countless healthcare professionals who have contributed their skills and compassion to the well-being of military personnel in times of peace and conflict. This celebration honors their hard work and dedication, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in military health care.
A legacy of excellence
The history of the SHAPE Health Facility dates back to World War II, specifically when the 196th Station Hospital was established at Camp Breckenridge in Kentucky. This unit played a crucial role in supporting military operations in the Pacific theater, where it demonstrated exceptional performance during four major campaigns. His efforts were recognized with the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation, marking his distinguished service.
In 1955, the 196th Station Hospital was reactivated and transferred to France. This transition allowed the unit to continue providing lifesaving medical care to U.S. military personnel and their NATO allies under the auspices of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The medical center became a vital resource for troops stationed in Europe during the Cold War.
In 1968, the 196th moved with SHAPE to Casteau, Belgium, where it was renamed SHAPE Medical Center. This new designation reflects its commitment to serving the region’s growing military community. Over the following decades, SHAPE Medical Center expanded its services and capabilities, offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient medical services. As the population of military families in the SHAPE and BENELUX regions has grown, the center has adapted to meet their diverse health care needs, positioning itself as a crucial part of the infrastructure of health and well-being of the community.
Not far away, the Brussels Army Health Clinic plays a crucial role in supporting the American military community in Belgium. Established in the late 1950s, the clinic has expanded its services to meet the health needs of active duty military personnel, their families and civilian employees.
Adapt to change
In 1995, the transition to SHAPE health care facilities represented a significant step in the evolution of health services within NATO. This change marked the establishment of a new era emphasizing outpatient care, which aimed to improve accessibility and promote the well-being of military personnel and their families. The transition was formally solidified through a memorandum of understanding established between U.S. Medical Command and SHAPE leadership, emphasizing a mutual commitment to improving health care delivery.
The spirit of collaboration between the participating countries was particularly remarkable, as medical professionals from ten NATO member countries came together to fulfill a common mission of providing high-quality medical services. This collaboration not only illustrates a strong commitment to partnership, but also reinforces the importance of excellence in medical practice across diverse health systems.
Collaborative care and community support
As a vital part of military health care in Europe, the SHAPE Health Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic provide vital resources for service members and their families stationed in the region. Together, they provide comprehensive medical support tailored to the unique needs of the military community, ensuring high-quality care across a variety of specialties.
Today, SHAPE Health Facility serves as a beacon of essential medical care, with a U.S.-led primary care clinic staffed by a highly trained and diverse multinational medical team from the United States, from Canada, Greece, Italy, Poland and Turkey. Each team member brings unique expertise and perspectives, enriching the quality of care provided.
In addition to the US-led clinic, the facility proudly hosts dedicated primary care clinics in Belgium, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Together, these clinics work collaboratively to ensure accessibility to comprehensive health services, embodying the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that is at the heart of the NATO alliance.
Additionally, SHAPE Health Facility is home to dental clinics from the United States, Belgium, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom. These services complement primary care clinics, creating a holistic approach to health care that addresses both medical and dental needs. Together, they strive to provide an integrated healthcare experience, reflecting an unwavering commitment to the overall well-being of all staff and their families who call SHAPE home.
This multinational coalition exemplifies the fundamental principles of NATO, showcasing the strength and unity that comes from working together. It strengthens the commitment of mutual support between member countries, ensuring that every individual receives the healthcare they truly deserve.
Staff from SHAPE Health Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic gathered to celebrate and honor the clinics’ extraordinary legacy, Dec. 13, 2024. The Brussels Army Health Clinic Brussels was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE health facility, in Mons, Belgium, was established in 1968. The ceremony celebrated both past achievements and enduring partnerships between Allies of NATO. (U.S. Army photo by Richard Komurek)
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Ongoing commitment
In a significant demonstration of dedication and service, the SHAPE Health Facility and Brussels Army Health Clinic are making an impressive impact in providing care to approximately 14,000 beneficiaries from 32 NATO member nations and from 18 Partnership for Peace countries. These facilities successfully meet modern challenges with resilience and commitment to innovative solutions.
Despite resource constraints and growing patient demand, both clinics continue to exemplify medical excellence while fostering strong international collaboration. U.S. Soldiers assigned to these medical facilities proudly wear the Landstuhl Regional Medical Command unit patch, which embodies the motto “Selfless Service,” reflecting their unwavering commitment to supporting the NATO mission.
Col. Charles L. Douglas, commander and director of SHAPE Health Establishment and Brussels Army Health Clinic, commended the multinational team for their unwavering determination and exceptional skills in providing health care. high quality. He highlighted the exciting potential for continued improvements in patient support, reinforcing the commitment to excellence shared by all members of staff.
Staff from SHAPE Health Facility and the Brussels Army Health Clinic gathered to celebrate and honor the clinics’ extraordinary legacy, Dec. 13, 2024. The Brussels Army Health Clinic Brussels was established in the 1950s and the SHAPE health facility, in Mons, Belgium, was established in 1968. The ceremony celebrated both past achievements and enduring partnerships between Allies of NATO. (U.S. Army photo by Richard Komurek)
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Looking to the future
As these facilities mark their rich history, the future is viewed with optimism. Colonel Douglas expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt to the changing healthcare environment, saying: “The contemporary environment in which we live presents many opportunities in the ongoing transformation of healthcare delivery here in Europe. I am excited about the preparation of our SHAPE and Brussels medical teams to fulfill the mission ahead of us.
Today’s ceremony celebrated not only past achievements, but also the enduring partnerships between NATO Allies. It exemplifies the spirit of collective security and mutual support that unites all in a common commitment to the health and well-being of military personnel and their families. The event highlighted the promise of continued excellence in the delivery of health services to the NATO community and their families.