Director's Message April 19, 2024
VAPIHCS Veterans, Flag day is celebrated on June 14 each year in the mainland United States. However, in the U.S. Territory of American Samoa, they celebrate a different kind of Flag Day.
Each year on April 17, the people of American Samoa celebrate the first time the U.S. flag was raised on their soil, which was on April 17, 1900. The day is celebrated with activities like long boat races (fautasi in Samoan), cultural dances, and parades. I want to wish our employees at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) American Samoa Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) and all the Veterans and people of American Samoa a very happy Flag Day!
Veteran Art Classes
VAPIHCS will be hosting painting classes for Veterans from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Daniel Kahikina Akaka VA Clinic. These classes will be taught by professional artist and Marine Corps Veteran Peter Koutrouba. Painting -and art in general- has wonderful therapeutic qualities, and it can also be a fun way to relax and enjoy yourself. The classes are free, and Veterans who are interested may drop in on Wednesdays. At the end of the year, students will be welcome to submit their work to the national VA art competition.
Neurofeedback Study
VAPIHCS is hosting a scientific study into a therapy called Neurofeedback at our Honolulu station. This method of therapy has been linked to decreased headaches, improved sleep, improved attention and focus, and improved quality of life. If you are a Veteran who suffered a mild concussion while on active duty and who continues to suffer from headaches, insomnia, and difficulty paying attention, you may be eligible to participate. Contact Dr. Judy Carlson at 808-433-6677 if you would like to participate. You will answer some simple questions, and if you qualify, we will ask you to come see us for 20 free, fun, relaxing sessions of neurofeedback three to five times per week. We will compensate you for your time.
One Team, One Ohana!
Adam M. Robinson, Jr., MD, MBA, CPE
Director, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System
VADM, MC, USN, (RET)
36th Surgeon General, USN
Stay Informed
Website: https://www.va.gov/pacific-islands-health-care/ submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/