VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

05/29/2026

Volume 4 of Across the Islands! Stay connected with the latest updates, health insights, and inspiring stories dedicated to our Veterans.
Click the link below to read the full newsletter.
https://ow.ly/SHqJ50Z5PHs

05/29/2026

Our main pharmacy at the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center will undergo renovations to better serve you in the future.

June 8, 2026 – Approximately 8 weeks

What to Expect:
• Longer pharmacy wait times
• Window & curbside pick-up for urgent/emergent medications only
• Routine medications and supplies will be mailed to your address on file
even if you previously chose not to receive items by mail

How You Can Help:
• Refill medications early before construction begins
• Confirm your mailing address is current

For questions or to update your mailing address, call 1-800-214-1306

05/29/2026

Stay healthy this BBQ season with these food safety tips :

⏰ Don’t leave food out for more than 2 hours.

🧊 Refrigerate leftovers right away so that the internal temperature reaches 41°F or below within 6 hours.

🚫 Don’t take chances with your health! If you don’t know how long food has been sitting around, toss it out.

05/28/2026

CLC Veterans, staff, and volunteers at the Community Living Center came together to celebrate May Day — known throughout Hawaiʻi as Lei Day — with an afternoon filled with music, culture, laughter, and fellowship.
The celebration featured a beautiful hula performance, musical selections and chorus performances by VA staff, a special dance presentation, and even a fun skit performed by Veterans. The event created an opportunity for everyone to share in the spirit of aloha while honoring Hawaiʻi’s rich cultural traditions.
Lei Day has been celebrated across Hawaiʻi since 1929 and is a time to recognize the importance of aloha, community, and the tradition of giving and wearing lei as symbols of love, respect, and connection.
Mahalo to everyone who helped make this special event possible and to all who continue bringing joy and meaningful experiences to our Veterans each day.

05/28/2026

Even if to***co use is part of your daily routine, or you’ve tried quitting before, or you’re worried about withdrawal symptoms, you have the power to reclaim your life.

Need guidance on how to stay away from to***co? Talk to trained quit coaches who will help you during any phase of quitting.

Call the VA to***co quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET or visit Mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/quit-to***co/quit-vet.asp

05/27/2026

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/

05/26/2026

Today, the State of Hawaiʻi and the Office of Veterans Services honored the fallen during the 2026 Governor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Memorial Plaza in the Hawaiʻi State Veterans Cemetery.

Veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star Family members, elected leaders, and community members gathered to remember and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The ceremony featured a Memorial Day address by Governor Josh Green, the presentation of national and state colors, the placement of state and military wreaths, a rifle salute, Taps, and a flyover by CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard.

As part of the ceremony’s remembrance tributes, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System Associate Director for Operations Devin Woods participated in the ceremonial lei presentation, joining other community and government leaders in honoring Hawaiʻi’s fallen service members.

Musical performances by the 111th Army Band, cultural tributes, and the singing of Hawaiʻi Aloha provided moments of reflection and unity throughout the ceremony.
Memorial Day is a time to honor those who gave their lives in defense of our freedoms and to remember the families whose sacrifices continue long after service ends. Their courage, sacrifice, and service will never be forgotten.

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor all who gave their lives defending our nation. We pause to pay tribute to their patriotism. Their sacrifice is remembered, today and always.

05/25/2026