Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

03/30/2026

Thank you to Spectrum Bay News 9 for their coverage of our Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down on March 28!

To watch the broadcast, click the link below:

The event offered resources, legal aid and free haircuts to help uplift more than 400 veterans in attendance.

03/30/2026

On March 28, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System hosted our Annual Veteran Stand Down for Homelessness event, bringing together VA staff and community partners to support Veterans in need.

During the event, more than 380 Veterans were served. The Stand Down Court assisted 31 Veterans and waived more than $91,000 in court fines, and 71 vendors were on site providing resources and support.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event possible and for continuing our shared commitment to serving Veterans in our community.

03/27/2026

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host our Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Veterans Courtyard at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.
Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are welcome to join us and to connect with housing support, health care enrollment, employment resources, peer support, nutrition education, and more.
If you or a Veteran you know could benefit from these services, please attend and help spread the word.

03/25/2026

Today, on National Medal of Honor Day, we recognize the extraordinary bravery of those who received our nation’s highest military award for valor.

At Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, we are honored to care for Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell, a Vietnam Veteran and Medal of Honor recipient who continues to inspire others through his leadership and unwavering commitment to integrity and service.

His story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve — and why VA’s mission to care for Veterans matters.

Read his story here:
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/integrity-critical-for-medal-of-honor-recipient-bay-pines-va-veteran/

03/24/2026

When U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve Veteran Ricot Pierre-Fils came to the C.W.Y. VAMC Emergency Department, he was in the throes of substance abuse, and not sure where to turn. Then he was admitted to Bay Pines VA's Medical Detox Unit and things took a turn for the better.

Watch the video below to learn how Mental Health staff helped this Veteran discover his road to recovery.

When U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve Veteran Ricot Pierre-Fils came to the C.W.Y. VAMC Emergency Department, he was in the throes of substance abuse, and not...

03/23/2026

Effective today, March 23, 2026, we are pleased to announce the appointment of David J. VanMeter as the new Executive Director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.

Mr. VanMeter was officially sworn into his position at the C.W.Y. VAMC Campus, during an intimate ceremony that was attended by his family, colleagues, and close friends.

In this new role, he will oversee health care operations at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and eight community-based outpatient clinics across southwest Florida.

Mr. VanMeter has sound leadership qualities and proven experience from his previous role as Deputy Medical Center Director of the Tampa VA Healthcare System. Before his role as Deputy Director, which he began serving as in 2016, Mr. VanMeter served as the Associate Director at the Tampa VA from 2013 – 2016 and, prior to that, was the Assistant Director of the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital in Columbia, Missouri. He has served VA in various capacities of increasing supervisory and fiscal responsibility for 20 years, and his experience spans diverse operations, services, and locations.

Please join us in welcoming Mr. VanMeter to his new role!

03/21/2026

Women Veterans are one of the fastest-growing groups we serve — and their stories deserve to be seen and celebrated.

This Women’s History Month, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System honors the courage, resilience, and contributions of women who have served our nation. From military service to continued leadership in our communities, women Veterans are shaping history every day.

We are proud to support their unique health care needs and ensure they receive the care and recognition they’ve earned. To learn more about the care we have to offer, visit https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/health-services/women-veteran-care/

03/20/2026

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Chaplain William Priddis created Music Ministry to provide moments of healing and hope for Veterans through the power of music.

To learn more about Music Ministry, click the link below.
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/finding-healing-through-music-at-bay-pines-va/

03/12/2026

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System will host our Annual Homeless Veteran Stand Down on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Veterans Courtyard at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.

Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless are welcome to join us and to connect with housing support, health care enrollment, employment resources, peer support, nutrition education, and more.

If you or a Veteran you know could benefit from these services, please attend and help spread the word.

03/11/2026

Discover the Power of Nutrition at Bay Pines VA!
Join our Nutrition and Food Services team during National Nutrition Month to learn how healthy food choices support your Whole Health.
Friday, March 13
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Building 100 – Near the Outpatient Pharmacy
Stop by, meet the team, and learn simple ways nutrition can fuel your day.

02/11/2026

Our Environmental Management Service contributes greatly to the maintenance, cleanliness, and safety of the C.W.Y. VA Campus, as well as Bay Pines VA's outlying sites of care. The service – more than half of whom are Veterans themselves – works 24/7 to deliver on the promise of providing America’s heroes with the world-class health care they deserve.

To learn more about EMS's contributions to our healthcare system, click the link below.

https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/unsung-heroes-bay-pines-va-ems-staff-uphold-operations/

02/09/2026

During National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, Bay Pines VA is proud to honor and express our gratitude toward the Veterans who entrust us with their health care needs.

Join us at one of our sites of care this week as we offer a small token of our appreciation.