Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

04/28/2026

Today’s the day! Join us for the Women Veterans Virtual Learning Lounge, an inspiring event designed to empower and connect women who have served.
Discover women-specific VA healthcare services, hear powerful patient stories, and learn how to enroll for care with ease. Don’t miss this chance to see why women veterans are the fastest-growing patient population in VA!
Tonight, April 28 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/49yerv74

04/27/2026

This past Saturday, April 25, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System hosted a special baby shower at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center campus, bringing together Veterans, families, and an incredible network of support.

We were honored to celebrate 39 moms in attendance and 45 babies — including one set of twins!

This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of 20 community partners and VA services who came together to provide resources, education, and essential items to support our Veteran moms and their families.

From baby supplies to meaningful connections, this baby shower is a reminder that no Veteran walks their journey alone — especially during life’s most important moments.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special.

04/25/2026

On April 24, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System proudly hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to honor the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and compassion in service to our Veterans.

Our volunteers are the heart of what we do—offering support, comfort, and connection that makes a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. From greeting Veterans with a smile to assisting across our facilities, their dedication does not go unnoticed.

This special event was a small token of our deep gratitude for the big impact they make every day.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Because of you, we continue to provide exceptional care and meaningful experiences for our Veterans.

04/24/2026

This Earth Week, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is proud to recognize the importance of protecting our environment—for our Veterans, our staff, and future generations.

From preserving our beautiful coastal surroundings to supporting sustainability efforts across our campuses, every action we take helps create a healthier place to live, work, and receive care.

We’re especially grateful to the dedicated volunteers and staff who give their time to initiatives like mangrove restoration and environmental stewardship projects—helping ensure our grounds remain as strong and resilient as the Veterans we serve.

Together, we can make a difference. This Earth Week, we encourage everyone to take small steps that lead to lasting impact—because caring for the Earth is another way we honor those who served.

04/24/2026

At the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, a new pilot program is taking shape to assist diabetic Veterans who are facing a growing challenge: food insecurity.

The Diabetes Emergency Food Bag Pilot Program aims to provide targeted nutrition support and education to Veterans who need it most — helping them better manage their health while addressing a critical social determinant of care.

“This program started from a broader goal of improving food access for Veterans who screen positive for food insecurity,” said Bay Pines VA Nutrition and Dietetics Intern Julia Marie Litherland. “We initially explored redistributing excess food from hospital operations, but after encountering barriers, we pivoted to a clinic-based approach that could realistically meet their needs.”

To learn more about this story follow the link below.
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/bay-pines-va-offers-support-to-diabetic-veterans-facing-food-insecurity/

04/22/2026

Attention Women Veterans!
You’re invited to an exclusive Women Veterans Virtual Learning Lounge hosted by the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8)!
Tuesday, April 28 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Discover women-specific VA healthcare services, from menopause management to mental health support. Hear real stories from fellow Veterans and learn how easy it is to enroll for care.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and empower your wellness journey. Space is limited, so register today!
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/49yerv74

04/21/2026

In case you missed it, Bay Pines VA has a new Medical Center Director and he's excited to serve you!

Yesterday, Spectrum Bay News 9's Matt Lackritz spoke to Mr. VanMeter about his perspective as he works to lead the delivery of world-class care to those we serve.

To hear what he had to say, click the link below.

David VanMeter is taking this new position after serving as deputy director in Tampa since 2016.

04/20/2026

Join us on Thursday, April 23 for our Virtual Veteran Town Hall! It will take place via Microsoft Teams from 4 - 5 p.m. To join the meeting, scan the QR code or click the link below.

Link to Virtual Veteran Town Hall: https://bit.ly/4tWmmUi

04/16/2026

Through its innovative Prostate Fiducial Marker Program, the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is transforming how prostate cancer is treated — bringing greater precision, convenience, and confidence to Veterans facing a diagnosis.
Launched in 2023 and strengthened with advanced imaging technology in 2025, the program uses tiny, rice-sized gold and titanium markers — called fiducials — to guide highly precise radiation treatments.
Placement of prostate fiducials allows Veterans access to two newer, highly effective radiation therapy techniques: Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and microboost therapy, also known as Focal Lesion Ablative Microboost (FLAME). Both approaches rely on the precision made possible by fiducial marker placement.
To learn more about this story follow the link below.
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/bay-pines-va-treats-veterans-prostate-cancer-with-greater-precision/

04/13/2026

Did you know? More women Veterans are choosing VA health care today than ever before!
Join us for the Women Veterans Virtual Learning Lounge on Tuesday, April 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discover why. Learn about VA’s women-specific services and programs, hear real stories from fellow Veterans, and find out how to enroll for care.
Don’t wait — space is limited!
🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/49yerv74

04/09/2026

Join Bay Pines VA for National Healthcare Decisions Day on April 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This important event raises awareness about planning ahead for future healthcare decisions and empowers individuals to document their healthcare preferences through advance directives.
Locations:
• Lee County Healthcare Center — Conference Room 1A-212
• Bay Pines VA Medical Center — J.C. Cobb Room (room 1D-127)
Attendees will hear from a guest speaker and panel of experts discussing long-term care planning. You'll also have access to VA and community resources, information, and services to help you explore long-term care options and make informed decisions for the future.
Planning today brings peace of mind tomorrow. We hope to see you there.

04/03/2026

When U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Charles Rackard first connected with Project LIFT at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, he was searching for more than employment — he was looking for a way forward.
To learn more about this story follow the link below.
https://www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/stories/project-lift-helps-veterans-rebuild-purpose-and-independence-at-bay-pines-va/