Director's Message March 17, 2025

As a Veteran myself, I am committed to ensuring safe, compassionate, and quality care for those who have worn the cloth of our nation.

Since the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxins (PACT) Act was passed, we have been working to enroll new Veterans and get them the care that they have earned and deserve. We will continue to do everything we can to increase, expand, and improve your access to health care. If you’re not yet enrolled with us, call 1-800-214-1306. VAPIHCS is proud to serve all who served.

VA Urgent Care Opens Soon

VAPIHCS is excited to announce the opening of an urgent care site inside of the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic on March 17, 2025. VAPIHCS is working diligently to expand services for Veterans across the Pacific Islands, and this new service will help deliver urgent care in addition to primary care, specialty care, mental health care, vison, dental, audiology, women’s health, and other services.

These urgent care services are for Veterans who have non-life-threatening issues that are also time-sensitive. This may be for a small cut or infection that needs treatment, a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), urgent medication refills, or other concerns that cannot wait. Veterans are still urged to see a primary care provider whenever possible for continuity of care and to go to the nearest Hospital Emergency Room for all serious and life-threatening concerns. We look forward to serving you in our new Urgent Care Clinic.

Gastrointestinal Wellness

March is Gastrointestinal (GI) wellness month. Colon cancer has been rising in adults under 50, and this is particularly concerning because - in its early stages - colon cancer does not cause any symptoms. This means screening is the only way to know if you have it or not. Veterans are now welcome to come in for a colonoscopy as early as 45, or earlier if they have a family history of colon cancer. Colon cancer is very treatable if caught early, so it’s important to get regular screening and ensure that you follow all your doctor’s recommendations and never put off getting screened.

Veteran Classes

VAPIHCS has started a new Veteran photography class on Fridays from 9am to 11am at the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic in Kapolei. All Veterans are welcome to attend. If you are interested in joining, please contact Recreation Therapist Micah Monzon at Micah.Monzon@va.gov. Other classes offered at the Daniel K. Akaka clinic include art classes every first and third Wednesday from 9am to 12pm and guitar classes from 10am to 12pm on Thursdays. Community members are always welcome to contact us to volunteer to teach classes for our Veterans as well. Please reach out to the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief Schoen Safotu at Schoen.Safotu@va.gov if you’re interested in volunteering. 

New Secure Sign-In Now Required

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is now requiring all Veterans to sign in to VA resources using a new online login system that lets them more quickly and securely access information about their VA health care and benefits. VA announced a phase out of My HealtheVet and DS Logon sign-in options, in favor of two new options, Login.gov and ID.me, which will help the department offer stronger security protections for Veterans, families and caregivers.

Most VA beneficiaries are already using Login.gov and ID.me to access My HealtheVet and other VA digital services, but those who have not switched yet and need help can go to any VA Medical Centers across the nation to get help. All VA beneficiaries are also encouraged to visit Prepare For VA’s Secure Sign-In Changes | Veterans Affairs to learn more.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie Charles

At any given moment, between 7,700 and 8,800 commercial planes are soaring through the skies. With so many flights happening simultaneously, it’s easy to overlook the skill required to get each plane safely from point A to point B. One of the greatest tests of a pilot’s skill comes when they must navigate through the clouds. Even though air travel is statistically the safest mode of transportation, flying through dense clouds can be an unsettling experience. The plane shakes with turbulence. The view outside disappears into a thick, vague mist. Passengers may feel a sense of uncertainty.

Surprisingly, pilots themselves cannot see through clouds either—at least not with unaided vision. So how do they stay on course? Rather than relying on what they see, pilots rely on what they know—specifically, the instruments in their cockpit. Pilots also remain in constant communication with air traffic control. Even when visibility is near zero, a well-trained pilot does not fret or stray off course. Instead, they trust their instruments and the guidance from air traffic control, knowing that the clouds are temporary—but their training, principles, and belief in the process remain constant.

Just like pilots, we too encounter clouds in life—moments of uncertainty, turbulence, and discouragement. In these moments of turbulence, some may feel tempted to stray off course. Some may allow the clouds define their total reality. But those who hold onto their principles navigate through uncertainty just as a pilot does: by trusting what they believe rather than what they feel in the moment. What are your flight instruments? What are your guiding principles that help keep you steady when the way forward isn’t clear? Three helpful ones might be:

Courage—Doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.

Service—Remaining committed to the mission, no matter the obstacles.

Hope—Believing that there’s a future on the other side of turbulence.

If we hold onto helpful principles—if we trust in what we know to be true—we will find that the clouds will pass, the turbulence will one day settle, and we will be stronger than before.

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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