VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

04/13/2026

Safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs during DEA’s National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locate a nearby collection site at https://www.dea.gov/takebackday.

At our University Drive campus, you can drop off medications anytime in the MedSafe box in building 1, next to the police office.

04/13/2026

04/12/2026

"My provider explained things very clearly and in depth. She spent adequate time with me. The glasses she provided are life changing and allow me freedom to drive and be outside without external strain on my eyes. She is amazing! ” -- Veteran on care received at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

Are you a Veteran who is not enrolled in VA health care? To find out if you are eligible to enroll in VA health care:
• Call VA toll-free at 877-222-8387, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Apply online at https://www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply/
• Download the mailable VA Form 10-10EZ at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form-10-10ez/. Send the completed 10-10EZ with a copy of your DD214 to VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Attn: Patient Registration, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15240.

04/12/2026

It can be really hard to ask for help. But we all need it sometimes. Veterans Crisis Line responders are here for you 24/7/365. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

04/11/2026

Make a big impact with small changes! Try plant-forward meals, reduce food waste, choose seasonal foods and use reusables to support your health and the planet. For personalized sustainable eating tips, Veterans enrolled with us for health care can call 412-822-3000 and ask to speak with a dietitian. https://www.nutrition.va.gov/Sustainability.asp

04/10/2026

To learn about our Whole Health Program here at VA Pittsburgh, Veterans enrolled with us can contact our Center for Whole Health and Wellness at 412-822-2119.

April is for new beginnings. Why not start fresh with VA Whole Health? Spring into action and fill out your Personal Health Inventory to get started on your journey toward a happier, healthier you: https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/phi.asp. In the comments, share your spring goals!

04/10/2026

Veterans have reached out to the Veterans Crisis Line millions of times for support. You can too.

Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

04/10/2026

PRIDE in All Who Served is our virtual, 10-week health education group for LGBTQ+ Veterans. In a supportive virtual environment, the group focuses on topics that include:
• Coming out
• Military culture
• Sexual health
• Whole health
• Continuums of identity
• Community resources
• Don't Ask, Don't Tell

For a referral, contact our LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinators, Autumn Brunst or Kristen Lyons, at 412-822-3023.

04/09/2026

To raise awareness of organ donation, we kicked off Donate Life Month by celebrating Veterans who have received transplants and commemorating donors and their families during a recent event on our University Drive campus.

Speakers included Anthony Keel, a transplant recipient and VAPHS employee; VA Pittsburgh Interim Director Russell Lloyd; and Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) Director of Organ Procurement Operations, Jessica Yokubeak. CORE coordinates the recovery of organs, tissues and corneas for transplant.

To learn about organ donation or to register, visit https://donatelife.net/ or core.org/register.

04/08/2026

Congratulations to Emiliano “Nick” Deluca, our latest winner!
Nick is a registered nurse in our Emergency Department at our University Drive campus. He was nominated by the family of a Veteran for exemplifying what the DAISY Foundation honors: extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence and nursing care that transforms lives.
Here’s some of what they shared:

“Nick was kind, warm and professional on every visit. He kept up on vitals, med distribution and positive encouragement. He always delivered an encouraging statement including encouraging my husband to walk. He was never rushed, impatient or rude. My husband asked for numerous things; meals after surgery, help dressing and getting him things. Nick was always kind and diligent.

“Any questions were answered quickly by Nick. The numerous times he had to place a call to the doctor, his answers were quick and thorough. His kindness and empathy were demonstrated through his words and actions. He went above by going down to the pharmacy to get us our take-home meds, as I am arthritic and my husband’s health is faltering.

“Nick anticipated needs such as drinks, heat packs or meds to relieve discomfort and pain. We may not be able to give one specific example, but consistent, outstanding service, treatment and kindness should trump one act. My husband would say, ‘take your time getting here, Nick is my nurse.’ That made me comfortable and gave me relief from anxiety over his stay.”

If you know a VA Pittsburgh nurse who goes above and beyond, you can nominate them for our monthly DAISY award at https://www.va.gov/pittsburgh-health-care/programs/daisy-award/ or by asking for a nomination form at our outpatient clinics and inpatient units.

04/08/2026

If you are a Veteran in crisis or know of a Veteran in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line now at:
• Dial 988 then press 1
• Text 838255
• Chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/