Director's Message October 4, 2024

As soon as the clinic opened its doors, it began to offer primary care, mental health, laboratory, pharmacy, and imaging services. Since opening, the clinic has progressively rolled out new services to include Women’s Health, Podiatry, Pulmonary Function Tests/Pulmonology exams, Cardiology, Audiology, Gastroenterology, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Recreational Therapy. This week, Optometry services and Dental care were added. If you would like to enroll for services or schedule an appointment, call 808-458-5065.   

Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

 October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. VAPIHCS has a robust Intimate Partner Violence Abuse and Prevention (IPVAP) program to assist Veterans and their families that are experiencing or using violence in their intimate relationships. Relationship health and safety is of great importance to our well-being, andthe IPVAP assists those in need with seeking safety and care and developing healthy behaviors. For more information, call 1-800-214-1306. If you are having an acute mental health crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1. 

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

The Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans in Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act was established to ensure that Veterans deployed in certain locations and during certain periods are eligible for a breast cancer risk assessment and mammogram if it is found to be clinically appropriate based on the risk assessment. One in eight women will have breast cancer—the most diagnosed cancer among American women. VA understands how startling that number can be, but we have your back when it comes to assessing your risk. While no direct link has been found between deployment and increased risk for breast cancer, we’ve heard your concerns and we’re continuing to study if toxic exposures may be a cause of breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening could save your life – early detection is key to improving outcomes and increasing your chance of successful treatment. Speak with your VA health care team to assess if you’re at risk. To learn more about breast cancer screening at VA, download our SERVICE Act handout or call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (829-6636) for more information.

Thoughts from Chaplain Jewel Davis
La Familiån-Ta

Traveling west of Hawaii and northwest of American Samoa, we head over to our VAPIHCS family in the Marianas Islands. These islands are a chain of islets and 14 islands. Located in the region of Micronesia, the Marianas are divided into two distinct U.S. jurisdictions. Islands in the northern part make up what is known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI), while the island in the southernmost part is the Territory of Guam. Apart from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, the Commonwealth is largely uninhabited. Roughly 51,000 people - more than 90% of the chain’s entire population - live on Saipan, which is also the CNMI’s capitol. In Guam, the population is approximately 168,000. Both the Commonwealth and Guam share rich heritages of Chamorro and Carolinian indigenous people. Chamorros are the original inhabitants of the Mariana Islands. They are believed to have migrated from Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Carolinians are from the Caroline Islands. They arrived years after the Chamorro. Official languages of the Marianas are CHamoru, Carolinian, and English. Other languages are spoken as well, as the Marianas are also home to many East Asian and Pacific Islanders.

The indigenous Chamorro culture is central to the identity of the Marianas Islands. Chamorros have an abiding connection to the land, the sea, and to their traditions that include music, dance, and storytelling. They place great emphasis on respect for elders, prioritize family, and enjoy fiestas and large gatherings for meals. They nurture principles of collectivism, communal activities, mutuality, and celebration of their heritages. While visiting the Marianas, things to do include touring, golfing, diving, snorkeling, hiking, going to beach parks, and admiring the latte stones.

Thousands of our Veterans reside in both Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, just as they do in their sister islands of Hawaii and American Samoa. They and their families are our families, or as said in CHamoru, la Familiån-ta. As care providers and VA staff, may we persist in relentlessly prioritizing those who have served. May we also nurture principles that promote collective collaborations, mutual respect, and admiration. And may we embrace opportunities to celebrate the contributions and heritages of la Familiån-ta. Blessings and Mahalo.  

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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