Director's Message January 20, 2023

I t’s called the COMPACT Act, and it has the power to help millions of Veterans receive emergency care for free. Starting Tuesday, no matter their VA status, veterans can receive free emergency care at any health care system if they’re in a suicidal crisis.

“Veterans in acute suicidal crisis will be able to go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost – including inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and outpatient care for up to 90 days. Veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA system to use this benefit,” the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs described in a release.

While there are some requirements for length of service, it’s believed this could help up to nine million veterans.

Eligible individuals, regardless of VA enrollment status, are:

• Veterans who were discharged or released from active duty after more than 24 months of active service under conditions other than dishonorable or higher.
• Former members of the armed forces, including reserve service members, who served more than 100 days under a combat exclusion or in support of a contingency operation either directly or by operating an unmanned aerial vehicle from another location who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Former members of the armed forces who were the victim of a physical assault of a sexual nature, a battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment while serving in the armed forces.

Veterans don’t have to worry about getting a bill, which helps remove a barrier that had existed between suicidal veteran and health care. Hopefully, this will help combat veteran suicide.

Transitional Work Program

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) 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.

Drivers Needed

VAPIHCS needs Volunteer Drivers for our Disabled Veterans of America (DAV) Van Transportation. These volunteers will drive our veterans from their homes to VA appointments in our different island clinics, and then back home. Drivers are needed in Oahu, Kailua-Kona, Hilo, and Kauai. Please contact us if you are able to drive: 808-433-3377.

Veteran Engagement Sessions

The Department of Veterans Affairs will be holding two Veteran Engagement Sessions on February 7, 2023, February 8, 2023, and February 9, 2023. The purpose of these sessions will be to speak with Gulf War Veterans, their family members, and caregivers about their health. If you or your loved one served in the Gulf War in 1990 or 1991, our research team would like to know more about your quality of life, and any health issues that you have experienced. Please consider coming to one of our Veteran Engagement Sessions and making your voice heard. Your participation can help VA understand your needs and the needs of those you served with.

FEB 7, 2023, Session #1 https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/52483/

FEB 7, 2023, Session #2 https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/52484/

FEB 8, 2023, Session #1 https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/52500/

FEB 9, 2023, Session #2 https://www.va.gov/outreach-and-events/events/52501/

The Password to these sessions is: GWVets1991! Join by phone: (Toll-free) 1-833-558-0712, Access code is 2763 972 4848. For more information about these meetings and other GWV-related items visit the RACGWVI website at: https://bddy.me/3ZuWwZu

Thoughts From Chaplain Richie Charles

One of the marvels of nature is seen in the almost miraculous transformation a caterpillar undergoes in its metamorphosis, transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly. And while the emergence of a butterfly fluttering with its vibrant wings might be dazzling, the process of transformation is a lot less glamorous.

When the caterpillar reaches its full size, it forms into a “chrysalis.” The caterpillar then casts off its outer coating, leaving a hard shell underneath - what we normally would think of as a cocoon. But to transform, the caterpillar then actually begins to digest itself, releasing enzymes to dissolve and rip apart much of its body, liquifying much of itself, and only leaving key structures intact. In fact, if you were to cut open the chrysalis at just the right time, something resembling caterpillar soup would ooze out. However, the caterpillar’s liquid form in this stage is what allows it to be reconstituted; to be molded into something new.  The caterpillar understands that to become something better, it must become malleable, that is willing to become molded.

Regardless of where we are in our life journey, we all can benefit from learning and growing in new ways. Even our challenges, if we allow them, can become some of our greatest teachers. But continual growth requires flexibility, openness, and humility. The process of facing our limitations and adjusting may not always feel pleasant in the moment, but they are indispensable to evolving into our best selves.   

Let’s draw inspiration from the caterpillar today and harness the power that flexibility can have in our growth journey.

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: hawaii.va.gov – submit your email to get our updates
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands/
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PAOOffice1
Podcast: https://vapihcspao.podbean.com/

Weekly Radio VA Updates:
Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. on AM830,KHVH with Rick Hamada