Director's Message April 8, 2022

Over the years the award has acquired a well-deserved reputation as the most prestigious award given by veterans’ service organizations and is known as the “Veterans Oscar.” This year, the award was presented to Dr. John Henry Felix, a man I admire for his contributions to the Hawaiian Islands, to our country, and to the world. 

Moloka’i Na Pu’uwai Contract Begins

Veterans in Moloka’i can now take advantage of more than 30 new contacts the VA has made with Care In The Community (CITC) partners on the island. In addition, the new contract with Na Pu’uwai Native Hawaiian Heath Care System has been signed, and a VAPIHCS team is currently setting up the new VA Clinic for appointments. To make an appointment at our new Moloka’i VA Clinic, please call 1-800-214-1306.

COVID-19 Fourth Shot

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is currently providing an additional COVID-19 vaccination booster shot to Veterans, caregivers, and spouses who meet the criteria. You are best protected when you are up-to-date on your booster shots, so those who are eligible are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. To be eligible, you must be over 50 years of age, or considered to be immunocompromised. To make an appointment for your second booster shot, please call 1-800-214-1306.
Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Week

This week is Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness week. Many people feel embarrassed to talk to their doctor if they suspect that they may have contracted a STI. I’d like to remind you that the staff at our facilities are here to help you, and they are trained to discuss matters relating to sexual health just as they are trained to talk to you about diet and exercise. Never feel embarrassed to talk to your provider and ask for an STI Panel or to ask about potential symptoms. Sexual health is an important part of your overall health, and we are here to help you. If you would like to be screened for STIs or discuss any aspect of your sexual health with your provider, please call 1-800-214-1306 to make an appointment today. 

National Public Health Week

This week is also National Public Health Week, and the 2022 theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.” The focus this year is on thinking about where you live, and about listening to the voices of everyone in your community. Here in the Pacific Islands, we have many different foods, languages, and cultures. In order for us to do what is right for our communities, we need to listen to everyone’s voices when we make policy. That doesn’t just mean listening to people from American Samoa, Guam, the CNMI, and the Hawaiian Islands. It also means listening to the LGBTQ+ community and the voices of disabled people. Making healthier communities means listening to all the voices, and I will always strive to make sure that no one is left out of the conversation. 

Spring Holidays

Ramadan began on April 2, 2022 and will continue until May 1, 2022. Passover begins on April 15, 2022 and ends on April 23rd, 2022. Easter will be on April 17, 2022. There are so many different holidays that are celebrated in various religious and cultural traditions in the spring, and I want to wish you joy in whatever you will be celebrating. 

I hope that you will have a wonderful spring, but I also hope that you’ll plant seeds today for what you want to reap tomorrow. Spring is a good time to set goals, because the theme of renewal makes us inspired towards positive change. Since April is Whole Health Month, perhaps a goals you might set is to sign up for one of the programs that VA offers, such as Tai Chi or Yoga. It’s never too late to start living a healthier lifestyle. 

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