VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

11/01/2025

Do you have leftover Halloween candy? Pair your sweet, with healthy fat, fiber and protein to make a balanced snack, like a trail mix! Your VA dietitian can help with more snack ideas! https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Recipes/Snacks/index.asp

10/31/2025

VACWM's Environmental Protection Specialists/GEMS Program Manager – Clean Water Begins with You!

What is stormwater pollution? It's the toxic mix of bacteria, chemicals, metals, nutrients, and other contaminants that wash over pavement and other impervious surfaces and flow down storm drains to our waterways.

Be a Leaf Hero and keep fallen leaves out of the streets!

Do not blow or rake leaves, grass clippings, brush, and tree branches into the street. These will leach nutrients into stormwater runoff and contribute to pollution in our waters. Leaf litter can also plug storm drains and increase flooding issues. Instead, mulch or compost yard waste away from streams or other waterways or dispose of it at your local landfill.

Tip #1 Keep Fallen Leaves out of the Streets:
Leaf litter leaches nutrients into stormwater runoff and contributes to pollution in our waters.

Tip #2 Clear Storm Drains of Debris:
Leaf litter and yard debris plug storm drains and increase flooding issues.

Tip #3 Don't Dump in Ditches or Streams:
Decaying leaf litter releases excess nutrients, causing eutrophication and algal blooms.

Tip #4 Compost Leaves and Yard Clippings:
Reduce added chemicals in your yard and garden by creating a natural fertilizer with composted leaves.

Reference: www.stormwater.capecodcommission.org

10/30/2025

2025 Celebration and Connection Veteran & Service Member Women Community Baby Shower

Join us for a FREE Health and Wellness Event to connect and celebrate your pregnancy journey. This event is open to enrolled and unenrolled Veterans, National Guard, reserve service members in any drilling status, and active duty service members.

A light lunch will be provided. Come enjoy the support, resources, and community, at our Community Baby Shower!

Date: December 13, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Worcester State College, Student Center, 486 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602

For more information, contact Christine Dunn, christine.dunn2@va.gov, or call 413-577-0627.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate. We look forward to supporting and celebrating your journey!

Worcester State University
Project New Hope Inc. Non-Profit Veterans Organization
Massachusetts Women Veterans

10/29/2025

VA recommends that women 40-74 get screened for breast cancer every 2 years. You may also choose to get a mammogram every year. Mammogram costs are covered for Veterans receiving care at VA.

Routine mammograms detect breast cancer early, so you can get treatment before it spreads. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov

10/29/2025

POSTPONED:

The Friends of the Springfield Vet Center & VOICE Military, Veteran, and families game night on October 29, 2025, from 5-8PM has been postponed. A new date and time will be shared when available.

10/28/2025

Attention Veterans:

We understand that food shortages are a real concern for many. Our weekly Veteran Food Pantry is here to help.

📅 Every Wednesday
🕘 9 AM - 3 PM
📍 Lake Building 7

We are committed to supporting our Veterans during these challenging times. For more information, please contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 413-582-3033

10/27/2025

Intimate partner violence affects more than just your emotions. It impacts your mental, physical and reproductive health, as well as your social and financial well-being.

VA offers support and services to help you heal and regain control of your life.

https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate-partner-violence.asp

10/24/2025

On Friday, October 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Police Services, in conjunction with VA CWM Pharmacy, will host the bi-annual unused medication and prescription take-back day as per the DUMP Opioids Act.

Veterans and community members wishing to dispose of their unused medications can drive up to one of our facilities located in Leeds, Worcester (Belmont Street), or Springfield to obtain a DEA-approved medication disposal mail-back envelope from one of our VA CWM Police officers.

Unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue. Proper disposal of unneeded drugs saves lives and protects the environment and our overall community.

Civilians who cannot participate in VA Take Back Days can use the DEA’s Public Disposal Locations Search Tool to find year-round collection sites. https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main;jsessionid?execution=e2s1

10/22/2025

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can happen to anyone regardless of age, income, race, gender or background. It does not matter if you live with your partner, are sexually involved or how long you have been together. IPV can happen once or repeatedly over time.

Understanding IPV and your options for help are the first steps to taking back control.
https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate-partner-violence.asp

10/21/2025

POSTPONED:

The Military, Veteran, and families game night on October 29, 2025, from 5-8PM has been postponed. We will share the new date and time when available.

This is a great way to connect with other local military and veteran families while enjoying classic games and new favorites.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🎟️ FREE Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/165728120569?aff=oddtdtcreator
📲 Or scan the QR code on the flyer!

🎲♟️Military, Veterans & Families Game Night! 👾🎮
📅 October 29 | 🕔 5–8 PM
📍 American Legion Post 452, 43 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA
Join us for an unforgettable evening of games, food, prizes, and family fun — all in support of our veteran and military community!
✅ Family Friendly
🧙‍♂️ Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Console Games & More
🎭 Halloween Costume Contest with Giveaways
🍕 Food & Resources Available
🎟️ FREE Registration:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/military-veterans-families-game-night-costume-contest-tickets-1657281205699?aff=oddtdtcreator
📲 Or scan the QR code on the flyer!
This is a great way to connect with other local military and veteran families while enjoying classic games and new favorites. We can’t wait to see you there!
For more info: sshaw@chicopeema.gov
Hosted by: American Legion Post 452, VOICE, Vet Center, Wounded Warrior Project, and more