VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

12/12/2025

On Dec. 5, the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Adaptive Sports Invitational at Brentwood School. Veterans took part in more than 20 engaging adaptive sports such as wheelchair basketball, blind tennis, golf, pickleball, and functional fitness challenges. New adaptive sports introduced this year were wheelchair racing, disc golf, swimming, martial arts, blind soccer, boxing and lacrosse. Throughout the day, they stayed active, built meaningful connections, and enjoyed the spirit of friendly competition alongside fellow Veterans, coaches, and volunteers with activities such as art, live music and table games.

This uplifting event was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the courage to embrace new experiences, regardless of age or ability. Veterans encouraged one another, stepped outside their comfort zones, and reminded us all that resilience is not just about bouncing back. It’s about moving forward with strength, community, and hope.

We are deeply grateful to every Veteran, caregiver, staff member, volunteer and partner who helped make this year’s Invitational such a success. Together, you helped create a day full of inspiration, camaraderie, and joy.

12/12/2025

VA Office of Research and Development highlighted VA GLA Researchers who examined primary care experiences among homeless-experienced Veterans found that VA’s Homeless-Tailored Primary Care Clinics (HPACT) outperform mainstream clinics.

Link in post: https://www.research.va.gov/news_briefs/news_brief.cfm?RecordID=258314

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

Each week, Veterans gather for Acu-Yoga at West LA VA. Acu-Yoga is a unique practice that blends two ancient healing traditions — Chinese auricular (ear) acupuncture and Indian yoga.

“I like the class because it gives you time to relax and reflect on yourself. The pressure points in your ear help release stress, and when you finish, you feel lighter and more calm,” shared one Veteran who regularly joins the class.

Acupuncture releases tension and restores energy flow, using tiny, sterile ear press needles held in place with breathable tape. These gentle points provide continuous acupressure for days, helping melt away tension long after class ends.

Yoga complements this by strengthening the body, stretching tight muscles, and soothing the nervous system. Together, they ease pain, reduce stress, and support deeper rest and overall balance.

Details:
Wednesdays 1- 2 p.m.
Building 220, Room 110 at West LA VA, north campus.
Enter to the rear of the building.
No appointment necessary.

12/12/2025

VA GLA Researchers examined primary care experience and outpatient clinic utilization among homeless-experienced Veterans and whether the HPACTs helped to reduce potential disparities, and found that VA’s Homeless-Tailored Primary Care Clinics Outperformed mainstream clinics.

Link in post: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12602919/

12/11/2025

🎄✨ On December 1, 2025, West LA VA held a holiday decorating & tree lighting event!

Veterans, staff, and volunteers gathered in the lobby of Building 500 for a festive morning filled with holiday treats and community spirit. Guests enjoyed candy canes, gingerbread cookies, holiday pastries, fruit, snack bars, and candy, creating a warm start to the season.

Some Veterans arriving for appointments brought their service animals, who happily wagged their tails and added an extra layer of joy as they accompanied their owners through the event. Students from Brentwood School filled the lobby with music, singing songs and sharing handwritten holiday notes that brought smiles and gratitude to Veterans.

Santa welcomed visitors with photos and cheerful greetings. The morning also featured a special tree lighting led by John Mwabuki, Acting Associate Director of Patient Care Services & Chief Nurse Executive, who shared brief remarks before lighting the tree.

This celebration was hosted by VA’s own Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) and supported by Big Sunday, whose ongoing partnership brings cheer and support into the lives of Veterans.

12/11/2025

Last month, a leasing event for 721 Bonsall Ave. at West LA VA gave Veterans an opportunity to apply for one of 48 new apartments that are opening soon! These events help guide Veterans through a process that can sometimes seem overwhelming.

Thanks to the incredible collaboration between the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) team and community partners, Veterans who attended this event received hands-on guidance, encouragement, and had all of their questions answered by the experts.

Housing within the VA community is about creating a foundation for Veterans to rebuild their lives, access care and supportive services, connect with community, and reclaim confidence. It’s about giving back to those who have given so much.

12/11/2025

Did you know that Veterans are eligible for VA burial benefits? These include burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual gravesite care at no cost.
Learn more about VA benefits and eligibility:
https://www.cem.va.gov/veterans-and-families

12/10/2025

Did you know that VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System permanently housed 2,191 Veterans in fiscal year 2025? Permanent housing refers to stable, long-term housing where Veterans receive the wraparound services they need to rebuild their lives.

This total is 19.7% above our goal for the year, and 347 more Veterans than we housed during the same time last year.

Our team also exceeded all other goals – engaging with 2,228 unsheltered Veterans; ensuring 95.9% of Veterans housed this year did not return to homelessness; placing 1,316 unsheltered Veterans into interim or permanent housing; and hosting five surge outreach events to reach unsheltered Veterans.

We still have work to do, but this is a testament to what’s possible when we work together as One Team to serve Veterans. Congratulations to our incredible VA Homeless Programs staff and community partners who work so hard to help Veterans get the safe, stable homes they deserve!

12/10/2025

In celebration of his recent 101st birthday and a lifetime of service, U.S. Army Veteran Arturo Castellanos was honored at home by our dedicated PACT team. Surrounded by his two daughters, Mr. Castellanos received a commemorative coin and a heartfelt letter from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs recognizing his service during the Korean War and his many accomplishments.

Mr. Castellanos, your courage, wisdom, and legacy continue to inspire us all. Happy birthday and thank you for your service!