Director's Message February 18, 2022
VAPIHCS Veterans, Get Vaccinated! Flu Season is in full swing, and it’s very important that everyone get a flu shot. With all the messaging out there about COVID-19, we sometimes forget that the flu is also a dangerous virus, particularly for the elderly.
Approximately 30,000 people die of flu each year, and we don’t want any of our veterans to be among them. Please remind your loved ones to make an appointment for a flu shot today: 1-800-214-1306.
In addition to the flu, we are still working to prevent deaths from COVID-19. The best protection against the virus is getting your vaccines and booster shot. If you haven’t done so already, please make sure to make an appointment for your COVID-19 vaccines and booster shot: 1-800-214-1306. You can get your booster shot and your flu shot in the same appointment.
Nurse Hiring Fair
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System is hosting a Nurses Hiring Fair from February 21, 2022 to February 23, 2022. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our Ohana, please have them send a resume to V21HONHRINQUIRY@VA.GOV. The hiring fair will be held entirely virtually due to ongoing COVID-19 and flu infections.
National Salute to Veteran Patients
This week is the National Salute to Inpatient Veterans. We held an event at the Community Living Center on Sunday, February 13, 2022 to celebrate. For all those who couldn’t attend, I just want to say that while this week is special, we honor our Veterans every day of the year. It is our privilege to care for those who have borne the battle and for the dependents of those who never made it home.
Dr. Uhrle on American Samoa Radio
Dr. Uhrle had a radio appearance in American Samoa to discuss health care that VA is offering there. Things like some chemotherapy-primarily for prostate cancer in forms of injection are now offered in clinic. Anything intravenous is still done off island. But services are being expanded and things like diabetes treatment are done at the clinic in American Samoa. Dr. Uhrle emphasized the importance of preventative medicine, like losing weight and avoiding sugar (which can help with heart health.) This month is heart health month, so please check in with your primary care doctor and ask about your blood pressure and risk factors for heart disease.
Give Blood!
We are currently participating in the national blood drive to shore up shortages across the country. Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) is hosting the blood drive. You can donate Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., as well as Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. They are closed over the weekend. Call (808) 433-61-48 to make an appointment. Remember to take a picture and use the hashtag #RollUpYourSleeve when you post on social media.
Moloka’i Clinic Transition
For those veterans in Moloka’i, there will be some changes coming up. Effective April 1, 2022, VAPIHCS will no longer be able to deliver face-to-face care at the Moloka'i General Hospital Outpatient Clinic located at 280 Homeolu Pl, Kaunakakai, HI 96748. This change will not affect your VA benefits. You will continue to receive the highest level of care. VA Primary Care Provider Dr. Carlann DeFontes and VA Registered Nurse Ms. Kawena Puhi will continue to serve you by providing telephone, and VA Video Connect (VVC) visits the same way they are now.
After March 31, 2022, please get in touch with the VA Call Center at 1-800-214-1306.
The VAPIHCS executive leadership team is planning a Town Hall Meeting with the Moloka'i Veterans in the near future to address any concerns. Thank you for being so patient during this transition period.
Have a safe and happy week and remember to get your flu shot and your booster shot. Please participate in the blood drive as well if you are eligible. Let’s work together to keep our communities safe and healthy! Let them know you are donating on behalf of the VA #RollUpYourSleeve initiative. Remember that clinics will be closed February 21, 2022 in honor of Presidents’ Day. The drive up pharmacy will remain open on Saturday, February 19, 2022.
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
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Weekly Radio VA Updates:
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. on AM830,KHVH with Rick Hamada