James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center

04/23/2026

Whether you’re looking for clinical care, counseling, or assistance with benefits, the Veterans Crisis Line Resource Locator tool can connect you to local support: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources/

04/22/2026

VA’s Million Veteran Program helps researchers study how genes affect health, leading to discoveries that can save lives and improve care. MVP research focuses on areas such as mental health, cancer, tinnitus, and military exposures—and you can help. Join today at http://www.mvp.va.gov?utm_source=facebook&utm_content=share_story&utm_campaign=editorial_apr2026&utm_term=April2026 or call 866-441-6075.

04/21/2026

📣 Attention Veterans!

The James E. Van Zandt VAMC is honored to host the monthly Heroes Food Hub! If you’ve had to cut back on meals or struggled to make your food last due to financial constraints, we’re here to help.

📅 Date: April 22nd
🕙 Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
📍 Location: Mini Auditorium (Room 2C04)

Who’s Eligible?
Any Veteran experiencing food insecurity

What’s available?
A variety of non-perishable food items to help stock your pantry

🌟Additional VA Resources:
Nutrition and Food Services
Social Work Services
Whole Health Services
Enrollment Services

A special thank you to our Community Partner, Military Families Ministry USA, Inc., for making this event possible!

04/21/2026

DYK: Research proves that Whole Health helps Veterans with opioid and to***co cessation, as well as chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and pain. The proof is in the evidence. Experience the data-driven difference of Whole Health https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/docs/WholeHealthOutcomesInfographic_02062026.pdf. What would you do with better health?

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Are you a Veteran with questions or concerns about Gulf War Exposures? Get the information and answers you need by attending Gulf War Exposures & Health Concerns: A Class for Veterans.

Veterans attend VIRTUALLY through WebEx (an easy to access meeting platform) via a personal computer, smart phone or tablet.

When: Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET

Presenters: Frederic Lu, MD, MPH and Edward C. Shadiack III, DO, MPH

Topics:
• Potential Exposures
• Gulf War Illness
• Research Findings
• Gulf War Registry
• Steps to Manage Symptoms

Register: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/webappng/sites/veteransaffairs/meeting/register/346c040bbd3746799df987b7dc95f059?ticket=4832534b00000006c7eafb80760f4a3b378997b23aeb3341804fef053435c48c040c08f6781a9aa3×tamp=1776771197251&RGID=rea24d1e9fdcdd8524bba59a00cbc6e0a&isAutoPopRegisterForm=false

After registration, participants will receive an email with the invite link and access to resources. Participants will also receive an email reminder the day before the class.

Participants CAN NOT share their invitation link, and anyone who wants to attend must register themselves. Using someone else’s invite will not grant access. Class access will begin 15 minutes before start time.

Email WRIISCEXPRTCENTER@va.gov with subject header “Gulf War Class” if you are having difficulty with registration.

*This class was offered previously in 2025 and does not contain new information.

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

🐝 Congratulations to our March 2026 BEE Award Honoree, Matthew Wolfe! 🐝

We are honored to recognize Matthew Wolfe for his compassion, quick response, and exceptional dedication to a Veteran and his family during a time of crisis.

Just days before Christmas, Matt was alerted that a Veteran had lost his job, had no phone, and was struggling to support his wife and three teenage daughters. The family was behind on bills and had little money left after covering rent, food, and basic needs.

Matt immediately stepped in. He completed a full financial assessment, explored employment options, and coordinated with the DAV representative to help the Veteran pursue additional service connection. Matt then reached out to community partners, including The Chris Edmundson Fund and Sweats4Vets, stressing the urgency of the situation with the holidays quickly approaching.

Thanks to Matt’s persistence and advocacy, the Veteran received emergency assistance—and when Matt learned the family had nothing for Christmas, he didn’t hesitate. Even on Christmas Eve, he continued coordinating support, ensuring the Veteran’s children would have gift cards and a chance to celebrate the holiday.

Matt’s kindness brought relief, stability, and hope to a family in need.

Thank you, Matt, for demonstrating what it truly means to be a BEE Award honoree—supporting our Veterans by going above and beyond in meaningful and compassionate ways. 💛🐝

04/17/2026

For 80 years, the Veterans Health Administration has led the way in medical innovation. It has driven breakthroughs to transform care for Veterans and improve health care nationwide. Each year, VA hosts the Winter Sports Clinic which challenges Veterans with disabilities to overcome obstacles and push past limitations.

Learn more about the history of VA’s National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.
https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/

04/16/2026

🌼 Congratulations to our DAISY Award Honoree, Kim Sleigh, RN! 🌼

We are so proud to recognize Kim Sleigh from the Dubois CBOC for her extraordinary compassion and dedication to one of our Veterans.

Kim went above and beyond from the moment the Veteran entered her care. She arranged vital services including optometry, audiology, podiatry, and dental visits and even assisted with getting the Veteran's glasses repaired, a walker, new shoes—and most admirably, began working on securing better housing for him.

In just two short months, she helped rebuild a support system for someone who had felt alone for years. Their bond grew quickly. He called her daily just to check in, laugh, and feel connected. He described Kim as his guardian angel.

Tragically, the Veteran passed away in a fire at his home. Even then, Kim continued to advocate for him—working with the coroner and ensuring he received an honorable burial in a military cemetery. She cared for him with dignity until the very end.

Kim’s compassion changed a life, and her kindness left a lasting impact on all who witnessed it.

Thank you, Kim, for embodying the true spirit of the DAISY Award and for the extraordinary care you give our Veterans every day. 💛

04/16/2026

Su***de warning signs often appear gradually. When you know the signs, you don’t have to guess. You can check in. You can act.

VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.