VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS)

VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS) Mission: To maintain and improve the health and well being of network Veterans.

The medical center provides acute and specialized medical and surgical services, residential outpatient treatment programs in substance abuse and post-traumatic stress and a full range of mental health and long-term care services, as well as sub-acute and restorative rehabilitation services. A domiciliary for homeless veterans is located in Des Moines and general domiciliary beds are available a

t the Knoxville division. An active graduate medical education program exists at the VA Central Iowa Health Care System. Residents receive training in the areas of general internal medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otolaryngology, urology and geriatrics. Additionally, medical students from the University of Iowa and Des Moines University receive training at VA CIHCS. Academic affiliations include the University of Iowa College of Medicine, Des Moines area Medical Education Consortium, Inc., and Des Moines University with numerous internship programs in allied health professions.

05/26/2026

Is a Veteran in your life hesitant about reaching out for support?

Sometimes, hearing from someone who has been there makes all the difference.

Hear from Veterans about what encouraged them to seek mental health care. https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM/

05/22/2026
05/21/2026

For some Veterans, opening up about mental health can feel scary. Concerns about stigma or judgment can make it hard to reach out.

This Mental Health Month, hear how others overcame these barriers and gave therapy a chance. https://www.maketheconnection.net/mental-health-month/

We’re excited to recognize the completion of the first two Service Line Leader Onboarding Workshop sessions—another impo...
05/21/2026

We’re excited to recognize the completion of the first two Service Line Leader Onboarding Workshop sessions—another important step in building a strong foundation for deployment readiness. Just like any successful build, strong leadership helps keep the structure steady and connected. These sessions focused on equipping leaders with the knowledge, perspective, and tools needed to support end user participation, reinforce communication, and help guide teams through the deployment journey. Leaders engaged in activities intending to prepare them to serve as the bridge between leadership and end users.

05/20/2026
05/18/2026

VA’s Million Veteran Program (MVP) proudly recognizes the service and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Veterans—and the critical role you play in advancing research for all who have served.
By joining MVP, you help ensure that prevention, diagnosis, and treatments are guided by data that reflects the full Veteran community and the range of experiences within it.
Learn more or join today at https://ow.ly/bGOK50YSPN9.

Please help congratulate our EXCELLENT Nurses! The nominees and winners of the Nursing Excellence Awards were: RN Expan...
05/14/2026

Please help congratulate our EXCELLENT Nurses!

The nominees and winners of the Nursing Excellence Awards were:

RN Expanded Role:
Amy Mcdermott RN
Winner: Jonalyn Mulcahy RN

Staff Nurse:
Alexis Cooper RN
Manda Drish RN
Steven Ferrick-Cree RN
Tiffany Mercer RN
Lisa Nickell RN
Winner: Candace Muller RN

Licensed Practical Nurse:
Jayme Bauman LPN
Winner: Rebecca Hochart LPN

Nursing Assistant:
Natasha Speech
Tracy Tomlinson
Jayme Brown
Winner: Amanda Ousley-Lee

Excellence in Nursing Awards are presented by various organizations to honor nurses who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to patient care. These awards highlight achievements in areas such as clinical practice, nursing education, research, leadership, policy, and community service. They serve to recognize individual nurses, teams, and organizations that advance the profession and improve healthcare outcomes.

05/11/2026

Veterans from across the country are coming together to share one message for their fellow Veterans: You are not alone.

No matter what your service era, branch or background, you can find a story to relate to. Find one that speaks to you. https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM/

05/08/2026

Feeling on edge? Drinking more than you want? Feeling disconnected from loved ones?

You are not alone.

This Mental Health Month, hear Veterans describe the signs that helped them realize it was time to reach out for mental health care. https://www.maketheconnection.net/mental-health-month/

Beginning in summer 2026, VA pharmacy will transition from printing medication information to using a QR code on prescri...
05/07/2026

Beginning in summer 2026, VA pharmacy will transition from printing medication information to using a QR code on prescription bottles for locally filled medications. This change does not apply to CMOP prescriptions.

The QR code has already been added to medication bottles. After 6–8 weeks of overlap, printed materials will be discontinued, and the QR code will become the primary method for accessing medication information. You may still request printed information at any time by contacting your local pharmacy team via phone, secure message, or during a face-to face-visit with a pharmacist.

The QR code will link you to video guides, medication guides, and other information previously included in your printed prescription paperwork. An example of the QR code link can be found here: https://health.lumistry.com/medication/UbygyxH2Fs89HiZenEzaiN

Address

3600-30th Street
Des Moines, IA
50310

Telephone

+15156995999

Website

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