VA Caribbean Healthcare System

18/02/2026

Today, the Mayagüez VA Outpatient Clinic proudly hosted a comprehensive Veteran Outreach event centered on education, access, and collaboration.

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families received orientation and direct information on the wide range of services available to them. A key highlight was the CPR for Infants class offered onsite — empowering families with practical, lifesaving skills that extend beyond the clinic and into their homes.

We extend sincere appreciation to our Veteran Service Organizations for standing alongside us in service to the Veteran community, including:
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV), who also generously provided coffee and refreshments
• American Legion

Their continued advocacy and presence strengthen every outreach effort.

Our sister VA administrations were fully engaged:

• Veterans Benefits Administration
• National Cemetery Administration
• Vet Center

We were also honored to collaborate with federal, state, and community partners, including:

• United States Department of Agriculture
• Small Business Administration – Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Military OneSource
• Office of the Puerto Rico State Veterans Advocate

This unified effort ensured Veterans and their families had direct access to information on benefits, entrepreneurship opportunities, counseling services, state advocacy, and additional federal resources — all in one place.

This is what coordinated outreach should look like: agencies, VSOs, and community partners working side by side to eliminate barriers and expand opportunity.

We remain committed to meeting Veterans where they are and ensuring they receive the services and support they have earned.

18/02/2026

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY (NOA)

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS) announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed San Juan Fisher House located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Draft EA is available for public review for a 30-day comment period from Friday, February 20, 2026, through Sunday, March 22, 2026. For more information visit: https://www.va.gov/caribbean-health-care/news-releases/draft-environmental-assessment-ea-for-the-proposed-san-juan-fisher-house/

17/02/2026

I am pleased to announce the selection of Ms. Mia Lind Correa for a detailed appointment as Acting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Manager under the Office of the Director, effective February 23, 2026.

Ms. Lind brings 27 years of experience in analytical, administrative, clinical management, and supervisory roles within healthcare delivery systems. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from the UPR Medical Sciences Campus, and a Master’s in Counseling Psychology. With dual clinical licenses, Ms. Lind combines clinical expertise with strategic leadership, enabling her to excel across clinical and administrative domains.

Her federal career began in 2008 as an Occupational Therapist at the VA Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS). She has since held key positions, including Occupational Therapist for PM&R Service, Occupational Therapist Specialist for the HUD-VASH Homeless Program, Health System Specialist for the ACOS for Rehabilitation Office, and Program Coordinator and Clinical Assessor for the Caregiver Support Program. Prior to VACHS, she served in clinical roles at AMSCCA’s Alcoholism Detoxification Unit, First Hospital Panamericano, and the Psychiatry Unit at Carolina Regional Hospital.

Ms. Lind’s leadership is evident through roles as Complementary Integrative Health (CIH) Supervisor, Wellbeing Coordinator, and Clinical Care Coordinator for the Whole Health Program. She has led initiatives that promote employee engagement, business continuity, and organizational resilience. Her participation in special assignments—such as VACHS Employee Engagement Coordinator, Business Continuity-HICS member, and prior EEO Manager detail—underscores her adaptability and vision.

Committed to continuous growth, Ms. Lind has completed multiple VA leadership programs, including vASP and CDL, and holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Transformational Leadership, TaiChi, Trauma Center Sensitive Yoga, Guided Imagery and Mind-Body Medicine. She is currently pursuing advanced training in VHA National Yoga Teacher 2026 and VA CALM Mindfulness Facilitator programs, reflect her dedication to holistic leadership and innovation. Notably, she represented VACHS in the 2025 Veterans Health Venture Studio Hackathon, where her team achieved a winning position and advanced to the next phase of the Veterans Health Make-a-thon.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Mia Lind Correa on this appointment. Her proven leadership, strategic vision, and relentless drive for excellence will empower VACHS to achieve new levels of outstanding results and organizational success.

Thank you for your service to our Veterans!
Sincerely,

Antonio Sánchez, MD, MHSA, FAPA, FACHE
Executive Director (Medical Center Director)

17/02/2026

Take a step toward getting support. Find su***de prevention tools and resources for yourself and other Veterans at MentalHealth.VA.gov/su***de_prevention.

13/02/2026

In honor of , our Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) has organized delightful activities across our facilities in San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagüez!

Today, our San Juan Community Living Center hosted a joyful Bingo for Veterans, while Ponce and Mayagüez enjoyed a creative and relaxing Paint and Coffee activity.

We are immensely grateful for our veterans' service and dedication. Let's come together to honor and appreciate these incredible individuals. Thank you to all who participated and made these events special!

Special thanks to:

- DAV for distributing gifts to 100% of our Veterans.
- The Red Cross for providing Comfort Kits to Veterans.
- CDCE Staff for handing out delicious cupcakes.
- Endeavors for sponsoring birthday celebrations at the CLC.
- CDCE Staff for sponsoring Bingo, a bohemia, and music for CLC.



Photos: provided by the VACHS CDCE Office.

Honor a Veteran today by volunteering or visiting a local VA medical facility. www.volunteer.va.gov

13/02/2026

VA’s Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) provides you with a mental health team that works together to help you get the care you need to reach your treatment goals.

Learn more about BHIP: MentalHealth.va.gov/BHIP

12/02/2026

Our Director of Primary Care Services, Dr. Omayra Cruz Rodriguez, shares an important message encouraging Veterans to participate in the SHEP Survey.

Your feedback helps us improve the care and services we provide every day.

This video is presented in Spanish, and English closed captions are available for our English-speaking Veteran community.

Thank you for making your voice heard.

11/02/2026

VA Wears Red for Women

This week VA Caribbean proudly hosted our “VA Wears Red for Women” event in support of this important national initiative focused on women’s heart health and awareness.

With engaging speakers, informative resource tables, and strong participation from our staff and Veterans, the event served as a meaningful reminder that prevention, education, and community support save lives.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, wore red, and helped amplify this vital message. Together, we stand in support of women’s health — today and every day.

❤️

11/02/2026

09/02/2026

If you’re concerned about a Veteran, you don’t have to help them on your own. Learn how to approach the conversation and connect them with help.

Read more here: VeteransCrisisLine.net/CrisisConversationHandout.

05/02/2026

“Join me in Welcoming the New Assistant Director: Maritere Acevedo”

It is with great enthusiasm and pride that I announce the appointment of Maritere Acevedo as the new Assistant Director for the VA Caribbean Healthcare System. Maritere is a dedicated healthcare leader who brings over 30 years of experience in healthcare administration, quality management, and clinical operations to our team.

Since joining us in 2003 as a Physical Therapist at the Community Living Center, Maritere has demonstrated exceptional commitment and expertise in various roles, including her recent position as Quality Management Officer. Her visionary leadership in driving system-wide initiatives has not only strengthened patient safety and accreditation readiness but also earned national recognition during challenging times like hurricanes, earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maritere’s efforts in spearheading High Reliability Organization and Tele stroke implementation, along with her advisory role to executive leadership on risk and performance improvement, have been invaluable. Her meticulous management of accreditation preparedness for Joint Commission and OIG surveys showcases her dedication to excellence.

With a solid educational background, including a Bachelor’s in Physical Therapy and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Puerto Rico, as well as certifications as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Maritere’s qualifications are remarkable. She is also a VA CDL alumnus, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Beyond her professional achievements, Maritere is a proud wife and mother of two amazing children, Isabelle and Hector Luis. Her dedication to both her family and her work inspires us all.

We are privileged to have Maritere stepping into this critical leadership role. Her positive outlook and passion for serving our Veterans are truly commendable. I am confident that her leadership will drive us forward and enrich the care and services we provide to our Veterans.

Please join me in welcoming Maritere Acevedo as our new Assistant Director. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence in serving those who have served us.

Sincerely,


Sincerely,

Antonio Sánchez, MD, MHSA, FAPA, FACHE
Executive Director (Medical Center Director)

04/02/2026

There are so many great Americans to celebrate during Black History Month, including generations of Veterans who have served in our military since the Revolutionary War!