New Urgent Care Opens in the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic

Veterans can already come to VAPIHCS for primary care, specialty care, mental health, optometry, dentistry, and prosthetics. They can also get imaging done such as X-rays, MRIs, and CTs scans. VAPIHCS has both laboratory and pharmacy services as well. However, in the Pacific Islands, there has never been an urgent care just for Veterans before. 

“Today we open the first VA urgent care for Veterans in the Pacific Islands,” said Dr. Adam Robinson, director VAPIHCS. “As we celebrate the structure, let’s also remember that it isn’t the building that makes the urgent care; it is the people. The dedication and caring of our staff -the work everyone does in service of those who have worn the cloth of our nation- that’s what really makes this urgent care possible.”

Veterans will still need to go to an emergency room (ER) for emergent health concerns such as a heart attack, stroke, major cut or injury, or broken bones. However, urgent care can help with a variety of problems that require same-day service, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), minor cuts and abrasions, headaches, rashes, fevers, insect bites, and other concerns that cannot wait for a primary care appointment. Urgent care is ideal when a Veteran has an urgent problem, but it’s not an emergency. 

“There was no urgent care planned when the Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic opened,” said Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic Chief April Seghorn. “I’m very appreciative of everyone for their dedication and hard work.”

The Daniel K. Akaka VA Clinic opened on April 8, 2024. In less than one year, the $130 million, 88,675 square-foot multi-specialty clinic has become a hub for Veteran events and information fairs which showcase VA services. A monthly food distribution event called the “Ohana Open Market” is well-attended by Veterans and active-duty service members. The clinic even has a Veteran-owned restaurant called The Brew Café where Veterans can get coffee and snacks when they visit. 

“A lot of work went into the creation of this urgent care clinic, and I want to thank everyone who was involved in making this happen,” said Dr. Raman, VAPIHCS Chief of Staff. “This will be a great service for our Veterans. It will make a real difference in their lives, impacting them by providing the care they need and when they need it.”

VAPIHCS also has a new Urgent Care Telehealth option for Veterans in the Pacific Islands. The new Health Connect Clinical Contact Center will provide easy, on-demand services to Veterans. By calling 833-983-0487, Veterans can reach a Clinical Contact Center employee who can address their emergent needs quickly and efficiently. 

The Clinical Contact Center can help you with:

• Pharmacy Services
• Scheduling Appointments
• Tele-Emergency Care
• Clinical Nurse Triage
   

Veterans may still call 988, then press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. If you are a Veteran who would like to enroll with us for VA health care, please call 1-800-214-1306.