Birmingham VA Health Care System

03/12/2026

If you see signs of crisis and aren’t sure what to do next, the Veterans Crisis Line can help and get you connected to local support: Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

VA S.A.V.E. Training teaches you how to recognize warning signs of Veteran su***de and respond before a situation becomes critical.

Take the free online training online now: learn.psycharmor.org/courses/va-save.

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, this week we take a look at the power of meal planning and preparation. By dedicating a bit of time to planning and preparing your meals, you can take control of your nutrition and make healthier choices throughout the week. Let’s embrace the power of preparation!

• Plan 3 Dinners Before the Week Starts: Reduce stress and improve nutrition by choosing meals ahead of time.
• Do a Fridge, Freezer & Pantry Audit: Discover what you already have and make space for nutritious choices.
• Prep One Ingredient for Multiple Meals: Batch-prepping saves time and makes healthy choices easier during the week.
• Try a “Build-Your-Own” Meal Night: Encourage variety and balance by letting everyone customize their plate.
• Set Aside 30 Minutes for Weekly Meal Prep: Consistency is key! A short prep session can make a big difference.

Try this recipe of the week from the One Pot Meal Cookbook:https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/docs/Cookbooks/OnePotMealsCookbookNOV2022.pdf

If you are interested in an outpatient nutrition appointment, please call the Nutrition Department at 205-933-8101 extension 33-4735.

03/07/2026

Mindful eating encourages you to tune into your body without judgment. This makes eating more enjoyable and helps you to better understand your eating habits. Contact your VA dietitian for support with your nutrition goals!
https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/Get_Help_from_a_Dietitian.asp

03/05/2026

Yesterday I told the American Legion- it’s a new day at VA. We’re slashing wait times and making it easier for our women Veterans to get the care they need. The mission is simple - Veterans First. Always.

03/04/2026

Last Friday marked an important milestone for the Birmingham VA Health Care System and the Veterans we serve across North Alabama. We were proud to join community partners, congressional offices, Veteran advocates, and media in Huntsville to celebrate a joint ribbon cutting for two major expansions: the Huntsville South VA Specialty Care Clinic and the Veterans Transportation Program (VTP).

North Alabama is home to the fastest-growing Veteran population in the state, and we are committed to meeting that need. The new 7,000-square-foot specialty care clinic brings more services closer to home, including cardiology, chemotherapy infusion, podiatry, and neurology. This week, we welcomed our first patients; continuing our mission to deliver high-quality care with dignity, respect, and convenience.

We also launched the Veterans Transportation Program in Huntsville, helping ensure transportation is never a barrier to care. Since starting in Birmingham in December 2023, VTP has already helped more than 20,000 Veterans get to their appointments safely and reliably. We are proud to now extend this support to Veterans in the Huntsville region.

This expansion reflects a strong partnership with UAB Medicine Huntsville on our shared commitment to improving access to care for Veterans across North Alabama.

This ribbon cutting wasn’t just about opening doors, it was about expanding opportunity, improving access, and continuing our promise to meet Veterans where they are.

Enjoy the photos from the day and help us celebrate another step forward for Veterans health care in North Alabama!

Watch the video from the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-2i42YObPw

03/04/2026

The Birmingham Veterans Affairs Healthcare System is accepting applications for the accredited Geriatric Physical Therapy Residency. This robust, year-long program is designed to offer the recently licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy an opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills in the area of geriatric specialty practice in preparation for Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS).

Apply: https://ow.ly/W5M250YpbSt
Application deadline is April 30, 2026.

For more information, please email: VHABIRGeriatricPTResidency@va.gov or visit our website at https://ow.ly/gvip50YpbLf

03/04/2026

GI Bill® students: Did you verify your enrollment for February?

All VA education beneficiaries, including Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) students, must verify their enrollment at the end of each month to receive benefit payments.

Learn more by visiting VA’s Verify School Enrollment webpage at https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/.

03/03/2026

Important Notice for Veterans with Appointments at Huntsville West VA Clinic (Redstone Arsenal)

Veterans who receive care at our Huntsville West VA Clinic located on Redstone Arsenal should be aware of increased security measures now in effect at all Redstone Arsenal gates. Starting now and until further notice, Redstone Arsenal has raised its security level. This could mean longer wait times when you enter.

What Veterans Need to Know:

• 100% ID Check at All Gates - Everyone entering Redstone Arsenal needs to show a valid ID.

• Trusted Traveler Program Suspended - Each person in your vehicle must have their own approved access pass.

• Plan for Possible Delays - Plan to leave a little earlier so you can arrive safely and on time for your appointment.

We remain committed to providing you with timely, high-quality care. If you anticipate difficulty accessing the installation or need to discuss appointment options, please contact your clinic directly.

03/03/2026

Veterans, know which benefits are taxable and which are not. Knowing this information can help you accurately file your taxes and avoid unexpected surprises

• Non-taxable VA benefits: disability compensation, pension, health care, grants, and education assistance.
• Taxable: military retirement pay

Stay informed, take action, and make tax season a breeze!
news.va.gov/138085/tax-season-guidance-for-veterans/

Veterans who suspect they have experienced fraud can find out more and report to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.