North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System

01/09/2026

Today we were honored to welcome members of the Georgia American Legion - Ed Kent, Ray Humphrey, and Nancy Warner, for a meaningful discussion with our executive leadership team, including Wende Dottor, Executive Health System Director; Chad Adams, Deputy Executive Director; and Ilona Schmalfuss, Chief of Staff.
Together, we discussed progress made over the past year and ongoing efforts to enhance the care and services we provide to Veterans. We are grateful for the American Legion’s continued support of Veterans and the community we serve. 🇺🇸

01/08/2026

The holidays aren’t always easy, but one Malcom Randall staff member reminded us what true compassion looks like. When a Veteran faced a difficult season, their act of kindness turned quiet loneliness into holiday warmth. Read below how one person’s heart made all the difference.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Sometimes the most meaningful moments in health care happen before the workday even begins.

01/08/2026

We’ve now reduced the backlog of Veterans waiting for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits by 60% since the start of the second Trump Administration!

01/06/2026

Veterans 55+ and ready to stay active? Join us at an upcoming Adaptive Sports interest meeting to learn how you can get moving, connect with others, and boost your health through VA-supported activities.​

Interested or have questions? Email NFSGAdaptiveSports@va.gov to get started.

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

🚧 Independence Garage Expansion/Parking Closure 🚧

Beginning Monday, January 19, 2026, the Independence Garage at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center will be closed for a major expansion project to enhance parking capacity and improve accessibility. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-summer 2026.

This project will primarily affect staff parking and WILL NOT impact Veterans, who remain our top priority. Veterans will continue to have access to complimentary valet services and over 1,000 available parking spaces. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve your parking experience.

12/31/2025

Deena was nominated for the Daisy Award by a Veteran patient who described her as a “lifeline” during a life-threatening medical crisis. After undergoing a painful ureteroscopy, the patient experienced overwhelming pain and dangerously high blood pressure.
Dee immediately recognized the severity of the situation, activated the Rapid Response Team, contacted the Urologist, and stayed at the patient’s side throughout.
Her swift, compassionate actions and clear communication with the medical team ensured timely, life-saving care. The patient wrote, “Dee saw me not just as a patient, but as family. Her compassion, professionalism, and dedication truly saved my life.”

Congratulations to Deena for being selected as the Daisy Award Winner for December 2025!

12/30/2025

Real support. Real instructors. Real results.
Here’s what you won’t find in the Veterans First Program:
❌ Complicated routines
❌ Equipment or gym fees
❌ One-size-fits-all workouts
Here’s what you will find:
✅ Live support from real instructors
✅ Classes that work for all levels
✅ Tools to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more connected
Designed for Veterans, caregivers, and VA staff.
Get started now: https://www.veteransfirst.sofiahealth.com/

12/24/2025

This holiday season, we celebrate Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Your courage inspires us all. Take time to relax, stay warm, and enjoy the moments that matter most. 💚

12/23/2025

📣 Big news for North Florida & South Georgia Veterans!
The VA and Naval Hospital Jacksonville have teamed up to expand access to *immediate, high-quality care* including emergency services, orthopedics, mental health, cardiology, and more.
Over 100 Veterans already received faster, coordinated care through this partnership, bringing world-class treatment closer to home.

Learn more about how this collaboration is improving care for Veterans ➡️

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS) and Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville have created a partnership to increase access to timely, coordinated care for Veterans across the Jacksonville and surrounding areas.