Director's Message February 25, 2022
VAPIHCS Veterans: As you know, tensions around the world grew this week with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. These events can be a trigger for anyone but can be especially difficult for those who have served.
The attacks on Ukraine may leave veterans feeling frustrated, sad, helpless, distressed (including moral distress), angry, and they may experience an increase in mental health symptoms like PTSD or depression. Regardless of the impact, VA stands ready to support veterans and employees through this trying time. That includes being here for the one-third of VA employees who are veterans themselves. I encourage any employee experiencing additional stress to access the Employee Assistance Program and veterans who get their care at VA to access available Mental Health Services at VA. Thank you in advance for supporting Veterans and each other as these events continue to develop.
Moloka’i Changes
Veterans in Moloka’i have seen some changes. VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is temporarily suspending face-to-face care while services transition from the Moloka'i General Hospital Outpatient Clinic located at 280 Homeolu Pl, Kaunakakai, HI 96748 to a new site. This change does 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 have been. 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. We will continue to provide safe, compassionate, quality care to all Veterans in Moloka’i through telehealth, VA Video Connect, and Care in the Community when appropriate.
Guam Services Available
The new direct dial number for veterans and vendors in Guam to reach Care In The Community (CITC) is 671-475-5844. The call originates in Guam but rings our CITC call center. This does not replace the main call center number, which is still 1-800-214-1306. Veterans in Guam are always welcome to call the 1-800-214-1306 number and someone there will help them reach the department or service that they need.
The number for Guam vendors to fax medical documentation is 671-475-5846. Remember, this is for Guam Care in the community only. The Main call center number 1-800-214-1306 remains the same.
Transitional Work Program
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System does many things to help safeguard the minds, bodies, and sprits of the men and women who have worn the cloth of our nation. One of our programs that deserves to be highlighted is called “Transitional Work.” This program works to get Veterans back on their feet after physical and mental challenges prevented them from being employed. Transitional Work is currently looking for departments within the VA as well as external employers to join the program and offer jobs to the Veterans who need it.
If you know of an employer who may be interested in partnering with Transitional Work, please contact Kimberly Graves at (808)940-2577 or email Kimberly.Graves2@va.gov. Partnering with Transitional Work is a wonderful way to help Veterans in your community and to help keep people employed; something that is essential to their self-worth and happiness.
Blood Drive
There is a national blood shortage, and VAPIHCS wants to do everything possible to help. We have partnered with Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) to offer an opportunity to donate blood on March 10, 2022 at the Spark M Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Center (ACC.) The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and anyone with access to the Tripler campus is welcome to come and donate. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag it with #RollUpYourSleeve as part of the ongoing VA campaign for blood donation.
I’m very pleased to see all the events being put on for Black History Month. Let’s continue to have a joyful, mindful month. Additionally, I want to thank everyone who has come in for their flu shots and COVID-19 Booster shots. Anyone who still needs to make an appointment can call 1-800-214-1306.
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
Website: hawaii.va.gov – submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Weekly Radio VA Updates:
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. on AM830, KHVH with Rick Hamada