WPBVAHCS

VA is working to improve dental care access for eligible Veterans and is looking for a new administrator to operate the next generation of community care dental providers. The goal is to build a stronger dental network with general and specialty care, preventive services, and pharmacy support. Currently, about 26% of Veterans enrolled in VA health care are eligible for dental care. To learn more, visit News.VA.gov and search “dental care.” #Veterans #VA #VABenefits #Healthcare

VA is speeding up community care scheduling for eligible Veterans. The new External Provider Scheduling is live at every VA facility, allowing staff to see providers’ calendars and book appointments faster. VA can use that information to book appointments that fit a Veterans’ schedule. The tool can boost scheduling from just a handful of appointments a day to as many as 25. 27,000 providers in 78 specialties are already part of the program, with more expected to join this year. To learn more, visit news.va.gov and search: “press room.” #Veterans #VA #VABenefits #Healthcare

Today we celebrated a special milestone with our topping off ceremony. This beam will become part of the new Fisher House. A place of comfort, healing, and support for families of our nation’s heroes. Before it takes its place, it’s been opened for something meaningful: messages. Friends, supporters, and community members have filled it with words of hope, gratitude, and encouragement, notes that future guests will one day see and feel. If you are at the Thomas H. Corey medical Center this week, stop by the atrium and write your message!

You don’t have to carry it all alone. Starting mental health treatment and opening up can be intimidating, but we’re here to help. VA has resources to address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face: Mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index…

The @DeptVetAffairs has opened 34 new health care facilities during the second Trump Administration! Find a VA location near you here: va.gov/find-locations/

“These grants invest directly in communities that know Veterans best and are often the first to recognize when someone is struggling,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “They have been successful in connecting Veterans, service members, and their families — especially those not yet engaged with VA — to services that help reduce suicide risk and promote well-being.”  news.va.gov/press-room/va-……

Navy Veteran Dr. Clifford is analyzing audiograms from VA's Million Veteran Program to predict hearing loss risk and develop customized hearing protection and care. Learn more about MVP and how you can contribute to research: mvp.va.gov

Sometimes the signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide aren’t obvious. Changes in behavior, mood, or routines can signal a #Veteran needs support. Learn more: VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.

Friends, family, and the whole community play a critical role in suicide prevention. Staying connected to the #Veteran in your life can help make it easier to recognize when they might need support. Learn more about prevention: MentalHealth.VA.gov/suicide_preven….

We were honored to host the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Under Secretary for Health John Bartrum and VHA Chief of Staff, Lisa Pape at our facility last week! During the visit, they met with Veterans and saw first hand the outstanding work our staff are going in service to those we are privileged to care for.

A change to VA education benefits. Veterans no longer need to request a review to learn whether they’re affected, and VA will automatically review the files of more than one million previously identified Veterans

The spotlight was on #KidneyHealthDay yesterday. Our team connected with Veterans to share education and resources that support lifelong kidney health. Proud to empower those who served with the knowledge to stay healthy. #KidneyHealth #VeteranCare #PreventiveHealth

“I didn’t even know what a flashback was.” — Catrina, @USarmy Veteran Catrina shares how experiencing flashbacks led her to get help. Step into her story. maketheconnection.net/stories/844

If you see signs of crisis and aren’t sure what to do next, the #VeteransCrisisLine can help and get you connected to local support: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

VA’s disability claims backlog is now below 100,000 for the first time since 2020, benefits access is getting faster for surviving family members, and VA is moving to restore Second Amendment rights for affected Veterans in its Fiduciary Program. See more VA improvements here: department.va.gov/veteransfirst/ #Veterans #VA #VABenefits #HealthCare

VA S.A.V.E. Training teaches you how to recognize warning signs of #Veteran suicide and respond before a situation becomes critical. Take the free online training online now: learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save.

Anxiety can feel isolating, but you are not alone. Almost one-third of adults have experienced distressing anxiety. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety: Mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/index.…

In celebration of International Women's Day, we are proud to recognize Zjucare Pitts (Imaging Service) as a Be the One honoree through our Raise the Standard initiative. Zjucare’s compassion, empathy, and seamless teamwork at the Radiology check-in desk ensure Veterans feel supported and reassured every step of the way. Whether helping a Veteran understand a procedure or making sure no one feels overlooked, Zjucare goes above and beyond each day. We thank you Zjucare for consistently caring for our Veterans, caregivers, and staff, and for truly Raising the Standard every day.

Women Veterans deserve health care that reflects their unique needs—and VA’s Million Veteran Program is helping lead the way. MVP research is advancing discoveries in areas like reproductive health and conditions that affect women differently. Join the research shaping the future of women’s health care. Visit: mvp.va.gov Call: 866-441-6075

Happy Dental Assistants Recognition Week! This week we celebrate our “Superheroes behind the Smiles”. Dental assistants play a vital role in delivering high-quality care, supporting providers and ensuring every Veteran has a positive experience. Thank you for what you do every day!