Southern Arizona VA Health Care System

01/11/2026

01/10/2026

🌻 Special thank you to the Sunflower Community Veterans Club in Marana, AZ, for their generous $1000 donation to support the VA Voluntary Services (VAVS) Committee! 🌻

What is the VAVS Committee? Members of the VAVS Committee come from the local community and Veteran Service Organizations. They collaborate with the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) to recruit and retain volunteers who supplement the workforce at the Tucson VA Medical Center. In addition, they help secure financial support for special patient activities, supplies, and Veteran programs, while fostering long-term, collaborative relationships within the community to advance the VA’s mission.

Want to get involved? If your organization is interested in joining the VAVS Committee, contact the CDCE Office at (520) 629-1822 or email TucsonCDCE@va.gov.

Together, we can make a huge impact!

01/09/2026

It’s time to Defy Your Limits and get ready for the online registration for the 2026 National Veterans Golden Age Games!

Registration for the VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND WHEELCHAIR DIVISIONS will open at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Veterans will log in to the Registration4Vets platform to register.

Registration for the AMBULATORY DIVISION will open at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 29. Veterans will log in to the Registration4Vets platform to register.

Get registration ready at https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/national-veterans-golden-age-games/

01/08/2026

Our Surge Event was held from January 5 to 7. We came together with one mission—to house as many Veterans experiencing homelessness as possible.

Over the first two days, Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) partnered with the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program and the City of Tucson for targeted outreach. On the final day, we transformed one location into a hub of hope, offering same-day housing opportunities and essential services.

Thanks to incredible community support, Veterans received:
✅ Legal aid
✅ Transitional housing
✅ Food & clothing
✅ Haircuts
✅ 40 hot meals

Special thanks to Kelsey Swarts for providing haircuts and to volunteers McGran and Alison McHouse from VFW Post 10254 (Three Points) for assisting in the clothing room.

Want to make a difference? Join us in supporting our Veterans. If you would like to volunteer or donate to our Homeless Program, contact our Center for Development and Civic Engagement Office at (520) 629-1822 or via email at TucsonCDCE@va.gov.

If you know a homeless Veteran, are an unsheltered Veteran, or are at risk of becoming homeless, please contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET 877-424-3838) or the SAVAHCS Homeless Veteran Program at 520-629-1839. The Tucson VA Medical Center Homeless Veteran Clinic offers walk-in hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The Tucson VA Medical Center operates a 24/7 emergency department. Together, we can end Veteran homelessness.

01/08/2026

We’ve now reduced the backlog of Veterans waiting for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits by 60% since the start of the second Trump Administration!

01/07/2026

Your story and experiences can shape Veteran health care.

Million Veteran Program (MVP) participants may complete the new Military Experiences and Toxic Exposures Survey in your online participant dashboard.

Survey responses help researchers better understand how your deployments, occupations, and exposure to toxic or hazardous substances may impact Veteran health and inform improvements in care.

Not yet part of MVP? Join today. www.mvp.va.gov.

01/06/2026

Thank you to the incredible members of American Legion Auxiliary Post 66 in Green Valley, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generous and incredibly thoughtful donation to the Patriot Pantry at the Tucson VA Medical Center.

Your support is vital and directly impacts the lives of our Veterans by providing essential resources and comfort. The dedication you show to those who have served is truly inspiring, and we are so thankful for your commitment. Your generosity ensures that the Patriot Pantry can continue to serve the needs of Veterans receiving care at the medical center. Thank you once again for being such dedicated and supportive partners to the Tucson VA Medical Center community.

How You Can Support the Patriot Pantry?

If you are inspired by this generosity and would like to contribute to the Patriot Pantry, please contact the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) department at the Tucson VA Medical Center. Call us: 520-629-1822, or Email us: Tucsoncdce@va.gov.

01/06/2026

01/05/2026

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System offers cervical cancer screening and treatment options. For more information on cervical cancer, please contact your primary care team. Schedule your screening today!

01/05/2026

01/02/2026

Flu season is in full swing in southern Arizona and cases continue to rise!

Check out some of tips and trick below on how to protect yourself, your family, and fellow Veterans.

1- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
2- Stay at home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness
3- Cover your mouth and nose when you are coughing and sneezing
4- Wash your hands
5- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
6- Get outside for some fresh air
7- Practice good hygiene
8- Get vaccinated! The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System offers the flu vaccine!

Flu shots are available:
• On a walk-in basis at the main campus, building 80 South Vaccine clinic Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m..
• On a walk-in basis with your primary care team.

For more information on how to stay healthy during the flu season visit the CDC website Health Habits to Prevent Flu webpage https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html