VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

04/21/2026

April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time to uplift stories of resilience, strength, and support. 💙

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) is proud to highlight Michael, an older Army Veteran, who just 8 months after a below-the-knee amputation, is thriving in his recovery. Through determination and the support of VA’s Amputation Specialty Team, Michael has progressed from using a walker to walking with a cane and sometimes independently, while rebuilding strength, balance, and confidence. From navigating daily challenges to training for next year’s Golden Age Games, his journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just possible, it is transformative.

VAGLAHS is honored to support Veterans like Michael every step of the way. We are a Polytrauma Amputation Network Site within the VA’s Amputation System of Care, and we support Veterans living with amputation, those who are at-risk for amputation, and those who have sustained extremity trauma requiring limb salvage procedures. Our Amputation Specialty Team includes: physiatrists; prosthetists; physical, occupational, and kinesiotherapists; orthopedic surgeons; wound care nurse specialists; and rehab psychologists.

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

Learn more about volunteering at https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

04/21/2026

Update! All spots have been filled for the upcoming mobile dental clinic for Veterans at West LA VA. There is a waiting list; to join please email dental@villageforvets.org or call Mena Santos at 424-235-3642. If a scheduled patient doesn’t arrive, that spot will be offered to another Veteran on the waiting list.

Because the clinic is comprehensive, the first three days (April 23, 24, and 25) are dedicated to intake, with the same 100 Veteran patients returning the following week to continue their treatment. It’s brought to you by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Village for Vets, and the City of Los Angeles, in partnership with VA.

With this great resource coming to campus, we look forward to seeing these Veterans get the care they need to restore their oral health!

04/21/2026

You’re invited to a community volunteer day and workshop at the Veteran’s Garden at West LA VA this Saturday, April 25th! Come on out and lend a hand at this beautiful oasis and blossoming farm that helps feed Veterans. This month you’ll be helping plant spring and summer crops.

The guest speaker for the day is Vietnam Veteran Jerry Van, a member of the Los Angeles Chapter of Veterans for Peace and a passionate arborist with a special interest in cedar trees. Jerry will discuss planting and caring for cedar trees and their importance to the local eco-system.

We hope you’ll join us, and please spread the word!

📅 Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2026
🕒 Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
📍 Location: 100–138 Davis Ave (enter “Grow Native Vets Garden” in Google Maps)
🔗 Register here: https://www.grow-good.org/volunteer

04/21/2026

We’re hosting our first-ever Veteran food and clothing distribution event at the new Antelope Valley VA Clinic on Thursday, April 30th! 👕🥫🪥

Staff is working hard to organize a 40-foot container that’s full of brand-new shirts, pants, backpacks, shelf-stable foods, canned goods, hygiene supplies, diapers, and much more – all sourced from generous donors. Big thanks to VA’s Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) team for their hard work coordinating donations to show support for the incredible Veterans in this community!

All Veterans are welcome; come take what you need! To donate, please visit the CDCE’s website below or call (310) 268-4350.

The distribution will take place on Thursday, April 30th, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at 44439 Veterans Way in Lancaster. Please share to help us spread the word.

https://www.va.gov/greater-los-angeles-health-care/work-with-us/volunteer-or-donate/

04/21/2026

04/17/2026

Know a Veteran in need of dental services? Let them know about this month’s free mobile dental clinic at West LA VA, where trained dental professionals will offer exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals and tooth extractions!

The clinic is by appointment and takes place from Thursday, April 23rd through Thursday, April 30th in Parking Lot 7 at West LA VA (across from Building 218). It’s brought to you by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Village for Vets, and the City of Los Angeles, in partnership with VA. Check out some photos of the friendly dentistry team below.

Please note that these services are only for low-income Veterans who don’t have VA dental coverage. To make an appointment, email dental@villageforvets.org or call Mena Santos at 424-235-3642.

04/17/2026

If you have yet to visit the Veteran’s Garden at West LA VA – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a photo tour and upcoming invite!

On Wednesday, April 22nd, all Veterans and VA staff are invited to the 3rd annual Earth Day event at the garden from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy a sound bath, gentle chair yoga, tai chi, gardening demos and more!

Tucked just behind Jackie Robinson Stadium, the garden offers a peaceful retreat for the Veteran community. From blossoming produce to newly planted orchards, the green space offers room to slow down, learn new skills, and practice living in the moment.

Veterans are also invited to Gardening for Whole Health on Mondays 1-3 p.m., Wednesdays 9-11 a.m., and Fridays 1-3 p.m. with open gardening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12. p.m.

Volunteer days are held every 4th Saturday of the month (except May due to Memorial Day) and are open to the community. This April, the garden will be working on community plots which will be available for Veterans to plant and maintain independently.

(The Veteran’s Garden is just behind Jackie Robinson Stadium at West LA VA. For directions, type 138 Davis Ave. into Google Maps.)

04/17/2026

Make a big impact with small changes! Try plant forward meals, reduce food waste, choose seasonal foods, and try reusables to support your health and the planet. For personalized sustainable eating tips, contact your local VA dietitian.

https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Sustainability.asp

04/17/2026

For 80 years, the Veterans Health Administration has led the way in medical innovation. It has driven breakthroughs to transform care for Veterans and improve health care nationwide. Each year, VA hosts the Winter Sports Clinic which challenges Veterans with disabilities to overcome obstacles and push past limitations.

Learn more about the history of VA’s National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.
https://www.wintersportsclinic.org/