VA Portland Health Care System

04/27/2026

As part of the promotion of Freedom 250, the celebration of America's 250 years of independence, Airmen from the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, visited and spent time with Veterans at the Community Living Center (CLC) at the Vancouver VA campus on Monday, April 27, 2026.

During their visit, a Flag Ceremony was held to honor US Air Force Veteran Robert Cornett, who served in the US Air Force from 1957-1960. Senior Airman Jadon Lennon from Hampton, NJ and Senior Airman Claire Husnik, from Harris, Minnesota (closest to camera), assisted in raising the US and Air Force flags.

Their group also spent time talking to Veterans, playing trivia and bocci ball, as well as stopping by patient rooms to say hello. The Airmen are on a temporary duty assignment at the Portland Air National Guard Base, working with Airmen from the 142nd Fighter Wing's F-15 Maintenance Squadron.

04/27/2026

Patient Experience (PX) Week is a yearly occasion for healthcare systems everywhere to celebrate and acknowledge the many ways employees contribute to enhancing the Patient Experience.

The VA is dedicated to delivering quality healthcare to our nation's Veterans, and we are committed to Owning the Moment to ensure that every interaction results in a positive patient experience.

04/27/2026

VA Golden Age Games began in 1985, long before “senior athletics” was a mainstream idea. VA recognized that aging Veterans needed more than medical care. They also needed motivation, goals, and a sense of connection. So, the Games were born with just a few hundred competitors.

Today, they’ve grown into a major event where thousands of athletes and supporters from across the country come to take part. It is a living tribute to the fact that service continues after age 50 and that strength can last a lifetime.

The Veterans Health Administration is marking 80 years of supporting Veterans of all ages and abilities just like the Golden Age Game athletes. Learn more at

VA’s Office of National Veterans Sports Programs and Special Events provides Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through sports and art programs.

04/26/2026

NOTE: These classes are for Veterans only!

Whole Health Active Movement: Let's Get Moving!

-Tai Chi
-Yoga
-Strength & Conditioning/Open Gym

Classes are offered in-person on Vancouver Campus and Portland Campus. No referral or Direct access needed.

For more information about Active Movement classes or Whole Health, or to schedule your class, call (503) 273-5114.

04/25/2026

As part of our Freedom 250 observance, where we mark the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we walk through the timeline of notable events which shaped our nation, and milestones which honor our Veterans.

After the Civil War, the National Cemetery Act of February 22, 1867, was the first law to finance and develop national cemeteries by acquiring land, buildings, walls, and permanent upright marble headstones.

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) evolved from its origins after the Civil War to become the nation’s largest integrated healthcare network. VHA has progressed to meet Veterans’ needs and currently oversees 1,600 health care facilities including 144 VA medical centers and 1,232 outpatient sites serving 9 million Veterans every year. Today, approximately 75% of all U.S. physicians have received some of their training in VA’s hospital system.

Learn more at https://department.va.gov/history/history-overview

04/25/2026

Reminder!

National Prescription Drug is today at the VA Portland Health Care System's Portland and Vancouver campuses, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

is a free event for communities nationwide to properly dispose of old and unneeded medications safely and anonymously. Today, April 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., bring those old and unneeded medications to a collection site near you!

Locations:
Portland campus, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Rd., Portland, OR 97239
Veterans Affairs Police Department, Bldg. 100, Main Lobby

Vancouver campus, 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661
Veterans Affairs Police Department, Bldg. 11, Main Entrance Lobby

If you cannot make either of these locations or dates/times, or would like more information, visit: www.DEATakeBack.com

04/24/2026

Looking out for one another and speaking up is one way you can help prevent Veteran su***de.

When you understand the signs of crisis, you’re better prepared to offer help and support. Learn the signs of crisis: VeteransCrisisLine.net/Signs-of-Crisis

04/23/2026

Su***de prevention starts with being prepared. VA S.A.V.E. Training teaches you how to recognize when a Veteran needs support and how to help them.

More information can be found at: learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save.

By taking this course you will develop a general understanding of the problem of su***de in the United States; understand how to identify a Veteran who may be at risk for su***de; and, finally, know what to do if you identify a Veteran at risk.

04/22/2026

VA understands that military sexual trauma (MST) can affect survivors in different ways.

During Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, learn more about VA’s free MST-related care and services that are here for you year-round.
https://mentalhealth.va.gov/SAAPM

04/21/2026

Remember to join us tomorrow, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Atrium at the Portland VA to celebrate National Donate Life Month!

This annual observance serves as a reminder to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, while honoring those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

Visit the Donate Life American site here:

Donate Life America is a nonprofit organization increasing the number of donated organs, eyes & tissue available to save & heal lives through transplantation.

04/20/2026

This week, we join healthcare organizations across the country in celebrating National Transplant Nurses Week—a time dedicated to recognizing the outstanding dedication, compassion, and expertise of our transplant nursing staff.

Transplant nurses play a vital role in every stage of the transplant journey, guiding patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments with skill, empathy, and unwavering support. Their knowledge and commitment ensure that patients receive lifesaving care while navigating the complexities of transplantation with confidence and hope.

At VA Portland Health Care System, we are incredibly grateful for our transplant nurses’ tireless advocacy, attention to detail, and compassionate presence. Whether they are coordinating care, providing education, or supporting patients and their loved ones, our transplant nurses always go above and beyond to make a meaningful difference. Their dedication touches countless lives—not only for our Veterans, but for families and communities as well.

Please join me in expressing our deepest appreciation to our transplant nursing team. Their professionalism, integrity, and kindness are an inspiration to us all. If you see a transplant nurse this week, take a moment to say thank you for the extraordinary care they provide every day.

Happy National Transplant Nurses Week!

04/20/2026

Reminder: Tomorrow, April 21, 2026, the American Red Cross is hosting a VA Portland blood drive.

Where: VA Portland Health Care System Auditorium
Address: 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239
When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: USVAPortland to schedule an appointment.

Maximize your blood donation. Help more patients. If you are an eligible type O, B - or A - donor, consider making a Power Red donation. Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood component.