Directors Message July 1, 2022
This weekend we celebrate our Independence Day. The United States of America is a country that is constantly working towards a more perfect union. In a few respects, we may have some distance still to travel. However, I am very proud to be a citizen of this great country.
I was proud to serve in the US Navy, and I am proud to continue to serve as Director of the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS). I hope we can all think about the reasons that we are proud to be Americans this weekend. Happy Fourth of July!
Clinics will be closed on July 4, 2022, in celebration of Independence Day. The drive-up pharmacy will be open Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm, July 2, 2022.
Reproductive Health Services for Veterans
Access to gender-specific reproductive health services, including contraception and fertility services, is and will remain a critical component of veteran health care. VA’s delivery of reproductive healthcare operations continues consistent with our federal legal authority, despite the Supreme Court’s decision. Of note, VHA is prohibited by VA regulation from providing abortion services and abortion counseling services as part of the medical benefits package available to enrolled veterans. This federal regulation is not affected by the today’s decision.
We are aware, however, that several states are working to legislatively remove access to reproductive health care, including some forms of contraception and fertility services. Any State law that restricts or limits access to reproductive healthcare provided by VA pursuant to Federal law would unduly interfere with Federal operations and the performance of Federal duties.
Our employees, when working within their scope of their employment as authorized by Federal law, must continue to facilitate and provide reproductive health services to veterans, even if doing so conflicts with state law. This includes provision of all forms of contraception, including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and emergency contraception, regardless of the state in which the employee is delivering care, the employee is licensed, or the veteran is receiving care.
Seeking Land in Hilo
VAPIHCS is seeking to purchase a parcel of land on which to construct a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC). VAPIHCS is looking for a parcel that is no less than 2 acres in the Hilo area. To be considered, the site must be outside the Tsunami Inundation Zone. For additional information, contact Marianne Marinucci at (202) 632-5468 or Marianna.marinucci@va.gov
Details on the COVID-19 Vaccine for Younger Children
VA recognizes the critical importance of COVID-19 vaccination among younger children ages 6 months to 11 years and acknowledges that ensuring the safety of children receiving vaccines is a priority. This younger age group requires lower doses, smaller needle sizes and safety measures that are not available in VA health care settings. Due to these specific requirements, VA will not offer COVID-19 vaccination to younger children but will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination to persons 18 years and older.
COVID-19 vaccines for younger children are now available at non-VA community locations at no cost to recipients. VA encourages veterans with children ages 6 months to 11 years to make appointments for their children to receive COVID-19 vaccination at community locations. VA will continue to promote awareness of the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in younger children and highlight access to vaccines for younger children at community sites.
Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles
Back when sailing ships were reliant upon winds to be driven across the ocean, little could cause more dread for sailors than for their ocean vessels to get stuck in the oceans’ doldrums. Doldrums refer to the belt around the Earth near the equator where air circulates in an upward direction, providing little horizontal airflow to propel sailing ships along. Sailors would find themselves stuck in the ocean’s doldrums for days or even weeks, with a slowly depleting food and drinking water supply.
“Indecision” can be like doldrums. With no commitment made in a particular direction, indecision can leave us feeling stuck, drifting in one stage of our growth experience with little to no progress.
Making decisions helps chart our paths and craft our destinies. Yet, the sheer fact that choices have such power can prevent some from ever exercising this amazing human ability to its fullest extent.
Perhaps it’s the fear of regrets and making the wrong choice that keeps some in the doldrum of indecision. Or the loss of control that comes from launching into the unknown. Or maybe we fear committing to a particular course of action, or maybe deep down, we’re unsure of what we want.
Regardless of what it might be, making decisions can help us courageously face the unknown, accepting and becoming more comfortable with the fact that we don’t have complete control over the circumstances of life. Making decisions can help propel us to take on new challenges and assume new responsibilities, thereby experiencing new growth. Making decisions can help in our self-discovery, since the very process of trying new things will confirm or clarify what our likes and dislikes really are. So, let’s steer clear from prolonged indecision, and instead embrace and cultivate our power to make sound choices in a timely manner.
Have a safe and happy weekend!
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
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