Director's Message February 16, 2024

Proclamation Event On February 6, 2024, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi presented a proclamation honoring Black History Month, and I was honored to be the keynote speaker. It was important to me to take the time to highlight contributions to American history and Hawaiian history made by Black Americans, and the fact that as human beings, we are more alike than we are different. Racism and discrimination are not inherent traits at birth. Instead, they are taught. What we teach this, and future generations, will continue to shape this country, and it’s our duty to share historical facts, and teach equality and inclusion for all.

It was a meaningful event that truly recognized the fact that American history is not complete without the voices of each and every one of us. You can listen to my speech here.

Telehealth Triage

Veterans in the Pacific Islands may now call our emergency triage line to speak with a nurse if they need guidance on health-related issues. In an emergency, Veterans must still call 911. However, for care concerns that are not an immediate emergency, Veterans may call 1-800-214-1306, then press 3, or call 808-433-0600. This service is for all Veterans; however, it is currently only free to use in the Hawaiian Islands. While Veterans in locations outside of the Hawaiian Islands can access this service at any time, local carrier fees currently apply. VAPIHCS is working closely with phone carriers in Guam and American Samoa to resolve.

Whole Health: Sitting with the Silence

A common spiritual practice in many religions is the act of spending time with silence. This can be accompanied by meditation, performing a task like weaving baskets or stringing rosaries, or even cleaning a temple. Why do so many religions encourage sitting in silence? Amazingly enough, this practice was considered important even before the invention of television, radio, internet, cell phones, and other modern distractions. It was believed that only in silence would your mind reveal your deepest fears, desires, and thoughts for you to look on and reflect. If sitting in silence was important hundreds of years ago, imagine how important it is now!

This month Whole Health is focusing on personal development. This is the act of seeking things that bring you joy. As part of your path to personal development, how can you spend some time sitting with silence? Let your mind reveal to you what is most important so you can better reflect on how to find your joy! Learn more at: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/personal-development.asp.

Improving Access

We are very excited for the new Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic that will open in April at 91-1051 Franklin D Roosevelt Ave, Kapolei, HI 96707. This $130 million, 88,675 square-foot multi-specialty outpatient clinic will provide primary and mental health care, x-ray, laboratory and diagnostic services, pharmacy services, and specialty care for Veterans throughout the Pacific Islands who come here for care. The clinic will open in spring, but you can call now to enroll in VA care so that you can take advantage of the clinic when it opens at 1-800-214-1306.

Another exciting project is under construction in Guam. The 5,000 square foot project at 133 Route 3, Dededo, GU 96929, next to Guam Regional Medical Center, will expand access to services for Guam Veterans. The clinic will include primary care, mental health, prosthetics, and laboratory services. 

The new Kailua-Kona clinic of the Big Island of Hawaii is projected to open in late spring. Located across from the Costco at 73-5618 Maiau St, Suite 200, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, the 12,500 square foot clinic will offer appointments for gastroenterology, endocrinology, nephrology, neurology, and podiatry. There will also be an audiology booth, an on-site lab, and a clinical pharmacist to educate Veterans on disease management. We are excited to introduce our Veterans to this new site this year. 

We will have more announcements as we continue to expand care in a variety of modalities across the Pacific Islands. The Veteran population is expanding, and we are working to expand with it so that all Veterans can get the care they need, close to home. If you know someone who hasn’t signed up yet, please remind them to reach out to us at 1-800-214-1306 to enroll.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie

His name is Jean-Baptiste Point Du Sable, and though unknown to many, he’s the man recognized by the City of Chicago as the founder of Chicago. Born around 1745 on the island of Haiti to a father of French descent and a slave woman of African descent, Du Sable makes Black history for his contribution to our nation.

Chicago was not always a city of skyscrapers and a world-class economy. The site where the great city of Chicago now lies was once a swampy area that was said to give off a pungent stench because of the rotting onions during the hot weather. In fact, the generally accepted theory suggests that the word “Chicago” stems from the indigenous word for “onion” from the Algonquian people, the native settlers of the land of Chicago.

But Jean Baptiste Du Sable perceived that Chicago could be a strategic location for business, commerce, and trade, as it was situated at the crossroads for travel. Du Sable acted upon his hunch and established a trading post where Chicago currently is. Chicago is now the 3rd most populous city in the US and is one of the most important American cities for commerce.

As the son of an African slave woman, the last thing one would expect of him during those times was to think like an entrepreneur and explore new lands, but that’s precisely what Du Sable did. Du Sable came to the shores of Chicago and settled there because he saw opportunity, even if no one else saw what he saw. Following his hunch, he formed a legacy that leaves the United States better than when he first settled upon it.

We all, regardless of our roles, have been gifted with talents, experiences, and insights that we can tap into to better serve our Veterans in our respective departments. When we harness our unique qualities and embrace the opportunities around us, we too, like Du Sable, can cherish a legacy of doing our part – however small or great – of leaving our departments and areas of service better than how we found them.