The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center provides for the health care needs of Veterans in Central PA Joint Commission Notice:
The James E.
Van Zandt VA Medical Center wishes to promote open communication regarding any concerns about patient care or safety in the medical center. If you have concerns about patient care or safety that have not been addressed, you are encouraged to contact your Service Chief/Supervisor. Additionally, you can contact Quality Management Service at extension 7321. If the concern continues, you may contact The Joint Commission at the following:
• www.jointcommission.org, using the “Report a Patient Safety Event” link
in the “Action Center” on the home page of the website
• By fax to 630-792-5636
• By mail to Office of Quality and Patient Safety, The Joint Commission,
One Renaissance Boulevard, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
It is the policy of this medical center that no disciplinary action will occur because an employee reports safety or quality of care concerns to The Joint Commission. Any questions regarding this matter can be directed to Quality Management Service at extension 7321.
11/15/2025
In observation of the Great American Smokeout on November 20th, VA reminds Veterans to “Quit Like a Pro” when trying to stop smoking. VA offers a variety of treatment options, including prescription medications, ni****ne replacement therapy, and to***co use cessation counseling to Veterans who want to stop smoking.
Today, on National Diabetes Day, we proudly recognize the strength and resilience of our Veterans living with diabetes. At the VA, we are committed to supporting your journey to better health through our nationally recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program, accredited by the American Diabetes Association.
Our program offers:
- Personalized education and support
- Tools to manage blood sugar, nutrition, and physical activity
- Guidance from certified diabetes care and education specialists
- A Veteran-centered approach to long-term wellness
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking to fine-tune your management plan, you’re not alone—we’re here to help every step of the way.
Sessions are either in person at the Main Medical Center or Veterans can also participate virtually from their home through VA Video Connect (VVC)!
For more information or to schedule, please call: 1-877-626-2500 and ask for your PACT Team Dietitian!
Contact your local VA nutrition team to learn more or enroll today!
11/13/2025
In observation of the Great American Smokeout on November 20th, VA reminds Veterans to “Quit Like a Pro” when trying to stop smoking. VA offers a variety of treatment options, including prescription medications, ni****ne replacement therapy, and to***co use cessation counseling to Veterans who want to stop smoking.
You can also call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838). You’ll be able to speak with a quit coach trained to help you through every phase of your smoke-free journey, whether you are planning, starting, or trying to get back on track. Coaches are available Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern time. Quit VET counseling is offered in both English and Spanish.
11/11/2025
Our team and CLC residents were proud to take part in the Altoona Veterans Day Parade today.
To all who have served—thank you for your selfless dedication. We honor you today and every day. ❤️🤍💙
11/11/2025
Veterans Day is a celebration of courage and commitment. At VA, we honor that service every day, in every community. If you served, your next mission starts here.
11/10/2025
Today marks a historic milestone for the United States Marines. In 1775, the United States Maines Corp was formed.
We want to take a moment to celebrate the Marine Corps 250th Birthday. We are fortunate to serve our local Veterans throughout the community and provide them with the best possible healthcare.
11/07/2025
Attention Veterans!
We would like to warn you about a scam targeting you and your VA Benefits. The scam involves the below message about a new savings program! Do not call the number listed and do not give any personal information.
Our Veteran Service Officers and Enrollment and Eligibility team are available to answer any questions about the services you have earned and deserve. If you have any questions about something you receive, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team!
11/06/2025
In honor of Veterans Day, we invite all Veterans for a complimentary breakfast combo at your VA PatriotCafe, and a free tall brewed coffee at PatriotBrew. Join us in the celebration during breakfast hours on November 7 and November 10. Thank you for your service!
11/06/2025
Did you know that food insecurity impacts 13.5% of households in the United States?
If you are experiencing food insecurity, you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help!
To find food assistance programs in your county, you can:
• Contact the James E. Van Zandt VAMC Mental Health Team: They keep a comprehensive list of resources available to Veterans and their families. They can be reached at 814-943-8164.
• Visit Local Food Pantries: Many communities have food banks and pantries that offer free groceries and meals to those in need.
• Explore Community Organizations: Churches, community centers, and nonprofit organizations often provide food assistance and can direct you to resources available in your area.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Community resources are available to ensure that you and your loved ones have access to the nutritious food you need!
11/05/2025
Today staff showed their support for Veterans to get their Lung Cancer Screenings.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and we want Veterans to understand the signs. If you think you need to be screened, give your primary care physician a call!
11/04/2025
The United States Flag will be flown at half-staff in memory of former Vice President Richard B. Cheney beginning today, November 4, 2025.
The flag will be flown at half-staff until interment.
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Welcome to the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center
Since 1950, the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can. Services are available to more than 81,000 Veterans living in a 14 county area of Pennsylvania. Our 14 counties include Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Mifflin, and Somerset.
Improving Access and Timeliness of Care
Learn how we are improving access to health care for nearly 25,000 Veterans in our 14 county service area.
See how our VA Medical Center is doing in Access and Quality.
VA Outpatient Clinics
In addition to our main facility in Altoona, we offer services in five VA Outpatient Clinics. These clinics are located in:
DuBois, Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Mapleton Depot (Huntingdon County), Pennsylvania
State College, Pennsylvania
Mission
The medical center exists to serve the Veteran through the delivery of timely quality care by staff who demonstrate outstanding customer service and quality health care services. We embrace the VHA Mission to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well being.
Vision
The medical center will be recognized locally, regionally, and nationally as a leader in quality patient care, positive customer service, and excellent employment opportunities. We strive to be a patient-centered health care organization for Veterans, providing excellence in health care; being an organization where people choose to work; and serving as a community partner and back-up for national emergencies.
Key Business Drivers
Our key business drivers are quality, access, financial integrity, patient satisfaction, and employee satisfaction.
Values
Integrity: Act with high moral principle. Adhere to the highest professional standards. Maintain the trust and confidence of all with whom I engage.
Commitment: Work diligently to serve Veterans and other beneficiaries. Be driven by an earnest belief in VA’s mission. Fulfill my individual responsibilities and organizational responsibilities.
Advocacy: Be truly Veteran-centric by identifying, fully considering, and appropriately advancing the interests of Veterans and other beneficiaries.
Respect: Treat all those I serve and with whom I work with dignity and respect. Show respect to earn it.
Excellence: Strive for the highest quality and continuous improvement. Be thoughtful and decisive in leadership, accountable for my actions, willing to admit mistakes, and rigorous in correcting them.
