Director's Message October 13, 2023
I’d like us to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the strength, resolve, and dedication of those standing the watch – past, present, and future. At sea, in the air, and on land, our brave sailors and marines are always ready to defend our nation.
They selflessly ensure the safety and prosperity of all Americans and our allies and partners around the world. That is because they believe in an idea that has formed the backbone of our nation. That idea is the foundation of our democracy and is the essence of our national character - it is the Constitution.
Our pledge as military members is a sacred pledge and a 248-year-old commitment. We hold it and support it with honor and courage. Together, those who serve continue to stand the watch and prepare for any contingency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have done this for the last 248 years, and we will continue in perpetuity. Our Navy remains on call as they always have, to stand the watch, and to protect the freedom of the seas, which is vital to the stability of the world. We thank all those who serve and those who support them for their contributions to our safety and our liberty. Once our sailors and marines retire, we have the honor and privilege to care for them here at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System. I take great pride in ensuring the administration of safe, compassionate, quality care to those who have worn the cloth of our nation.
It was an honor to serve in the United States Navy and to be the 36th Surgeon General of the Navy. Now, I’m proud to be the Director here in the Pacific Islands working to improve Veterans’ access to care. Happy 248th Birthday to the United States Navy.
Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
At VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), we want to make sure that your mental and physical health are cared for. October is Intimate Partner Violence Prevention month, and year-long we have many programs to assist both victims of violence, and counseling and other help for those who commit violent acts. An important aspect of health care is the reservation of judgment. We’re not here to have an opinion about your life; only to help you. Call us at 1-800-214-1306 if you have any questions about our programs. Useful numbers include:
• 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.
• Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-808-832-9316.
• The Alliance of American Samoa: 1-684-699-0171
• Guam Coalition: 1-671-479-2277.
• Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 1-670-234-3878.
We’re Hiring
In an effort to continuously improve, VAPIHCS is expanding. We’re very excited to open our new clinic on Oahu, the Daniel K. Akaka Clinic, which will be located at 91-1051 Franklin D. Roosevelt Ave, Kapolei, HI 96707, and many of our other clinics are undergoing remodels or expansions. Additionally, we are taking over services that used to be outsourced, such as housekeeping. All this expansion comes with an increased demand for employees. If you know anyone looking for work, please have them look through our job postings. We’re excited to add to our VAPIHCS ohana!
Find Out What Matters to You and Live Whole Health
VA’s Whole Health website includes tools to help you discover what matters to you and develop a plan for your own health and well-being. Use the Personal Health Inventory to discover your unique goals and priorities. Whole Health offers the skills and support you need to make the changes you want. It empowers you to take charge of your health so you can live your life to the fullest.
Upcoming Community Events
On October 18, 2023, VAPIHCS will hold a PACT Act Community Call at US Vets, which is located at Barber’s Point, 91-1010 Shangrila Street, Kapolei, HI 96707. The event will be from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and any Veterans, caregivers, family, and survivors are welcome to attend and talk with our staff.
On October 21, 2023, VAPIHCS employees will march in the Honolulu Pride Parade and have a VAPIHCS booth at the festival after the parade. LGBTQ+ Veterans are encouraged to come speak with VAPIHCS staff and ask any questions they may have about gender affirming care, LGBTQ+ friendly providers, or whatever else you want to know. We’re here to help!
Additionally on October 21, 2023, VAPIHCS will hold a PACT Act Registration and Community Call event at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center, 275 W. Kaahumanu Ave, Space 2809, Kahului, HI 96732 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with benefits counselors, health services, and PACT Act Registration opportunities for our Veterans.
On October 28, 2023, VAPIHCS will participate in a Health Fair on the island of Lana’i at Dole Park, Lanai Avenue, Lanai City, HI 96763. Staff will be on site from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with benefits counselors, health services, and PACT Act Registration. We hope you’ll join us!
Remember that you do not have to wait for a community event to speak with us. Please call us at 1-800-214-1306 with any questions.
Community Living Center Memorial
The VAPIHCS Community Living Center (CLC) will hold a memorial to honor Veterans residents who have passed in the last year. There will be a service, music, refreshments, and fellowship to honor them. The memorial will be from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on October 27, 2023, at 459 Patterson Road, Bldg 110, Honolulu, HI 96819. To RSVP, please contact Chaplain Paige Morris by calling 808-433-0270 or by emailing her at Paige.Morris@va.gov. Staff, Veterans, families, and friends are all welcome to attend.
Thoughts from CH William Kunisch - ‘Every Change Starts with A Decision’
Most of us are aware of things we need to change in our lives. It could be our spending habits, lack of exercise, family time, or being more generous. Yet when we think about making an important change, we immediately think of all the obstacles we'll encounter, the sacrifices we'll have to make, the hard work that will be required, and things that may never come to pass. We start thinking three, five, and ten steps down the road, and we never take step number one.
Every change starts with the decision to change. It's not any more difficult than that. You can prepare yourself, and you can have an elaborate plan, but absent the decision to change, nothing will happen. A decision is different from a desire. A decision is really a commitment, and follow-through is expected.
It also happens that we can be paralyzed into inaction by the fear of making the wrong decision. We can talk ourselves out of needed change by imagining all that could go wrong. I know people who have delayed a needed change in their life for years. They are always discerning and never deciding. But here's the good news: even if you make a bad decision, you can still make another decision!
What needs to change in your life? Maybe you’ve been putting it off for a long time. Those who love and care about you have maybe even given you their encouragement to change, but you still haven’t moved off the dime. It’s never the wrong time to do what’s right.
In your quiet time this week, give some thought to those things that need to change for your good, and courageously set forth addressing those changes.
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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