VA Long Beach Healthcare System

10/13/2026

⚓ Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy! ⚓

On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of armed vessels, marking the founding of the force that would become the United States Navy. For 251 years, Sailors have stood the watch — defending freedom, projecting American strength across the globe, and answering the call wherever duty leads.

From the age of sail to nuclear-powered carriers, the mission remains the same: Non sibi sed patriae — not for self, but for country.

To all who have worn the uniform and all who serve today: thank you for your service and sacrifice. Fair winds and following seas.

Happy Birthday, Navy!

10/12/2026

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their relationships.
Promoting healthy relationships strengthens Veterans, families, and communities. 💜

10/09/2026

VHA is celebrating National Vocational Rehabilitation Recognition Week from October 5–9, 2026, highlighting how meaningful employment supports Veterans’ health, independence, and overall well‑being through individualized vocational services.

10/08/2026

Thank You for Making Our Annual Breast Cancer Risk Reduction & Screening Event a Success!

VA Long Beach Women’s Health and the Cancer Program were proud to bring Veterans together for a day focused on education, prevention, wellness, and self-care.

Held October 1 at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, the event featured:

🎁 Gifts for Veterans
🍽️ Lunch & refreshments
🩺 Breast cancer risk reduction & screening education
🤲 Healing Touch sessions
💗 Expert presentations on mammography, nutrition, exercise, mental health, survivorship and genetic counseling (check out the slides for these presentations here - https://canva.link/z5ics2rs1fjoohk)
💬 Live Q&A sessions and gift card giveaways

Thank you to everyone who attended, our presenters and partners, and the VA Long Beach staff who helped make this event possible. Your commitment to Veteran health and well-being makes a difference.

Together, we can raise awareness, encourage early detection and empower Veterans to take charge of their health.

10/07/2026

✨ What’s New at VA Long Beach! ✨
Our latest newsletter is packed with updates, resources, and events for our Veteran community.
Here’s a peek at what’s inside:
• National PA Week recognition
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminders
• Vocational Rehabilitation Week activities
• Upcoming events like White Cane Safety Day & a Veterans Resource Fair
• COVID-19 vaccine updates
• The 2026 Veterans Benefits Guide
• New tools, resources, and ways to stay connected
Stay informed, stay empowered — and thank you for being part of the VA Long Beach community.
👉 Read the full newsletter here:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/bulletins/42e579a

10/07/2026

What you need to know as you approach 65
📅Timing matters. Your Medicare enrollment window runs from 3 months before to 3 months after the month you turn 65. Missing it can mean a lifelong penalty on your Part B premium. If you have missed yours, ask Social Security about a Special or General Enrollment Period.
💻 VA is its own system. There is no enrollment fee for all Veterans, and no bill to Medicare or TFL for care you receive at VA.
🧑‍⚕️ TFL fills the gaps. Once active, TRICARE For Life covers deductibles, copays, and extras that Medicare alone does not, such as routine eye exams.
🚪 Access can change over time. Your VA priority, local wait times, and health needs may shift. Medicare keeps that door open.
🤝VA and TFL work together. Enrolling in one does not cancel the other.

10/07/2026

Happy National PA Week!
This week, we celebrate the Physician Assistants who show up every day with skill, compassion, and dedication to patient care. From diagnosing and treating patients to educating families and collaborating across care teams, PAs are essential to healthcare everywhere.
Thank you to all the PAs who go above and beyond — your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. 👏

10/07/2026

Big news for California Veterans: VA has awarded $2 million in grants to 10 community-based organizations across the state that provide adaptive sports programs for Veterans and active-duty service members.

This funding is part of a larger $16 million investment awarded to 91 organizations nationwide, supporting activities like archery, skiing, cycling, wheelchair softball, fishing, and more. These programs give Veterans a chance to rehabilitate through recreation, build independence, and stay connected to their community.

"Through these grants, we're strengthening access to adaptive sports programs that make a meaningful difference in the lives of California Veterans," said VA Long Beach Interim Medical Center Director Jean J. Gurga. She added that VA Long Beach is committed to expanding opportunities for Veterans with disabilities — whether through our annual Adaptive Sports Expo (pictured here!) or grant-funded community programs.

Since the program began, VA has awarded more than $150 million nationwide to expand access to adaptive sports for Veterans.

📋 View the full list of grant awardees: https://department.va.gov/veteran-sports/grant-program/grant-recipients/
📰 Read more about the $16M in nationwide grants:https://www.va.gov/long-beach-health-care/news-releases/va-awards-2-million-in-grants-for-adaptive-sports-programs-in-california/

10/06/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to promote safety, healthy relationships, and support for Veterans and families. 💜

The Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) Relationsh...

10/06/2026

Happy National Healthcare Supply Chain Week!

This week, we celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running behind the scenes. From procurement and logistics to inventory management and distribution, our supply chain team ensures that critical medical supplies, equipment, and resources are in the right place at the right time — so our providers can focus on what matters most: patient care.
Every box delivered, every order processed, and every system optimized makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thank you to our supply chain heroes for your tireless work, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence!