VA Central California Health Care System

12/29/2025

The Agent Cashier office currently located in Building 24, Room 1A18 will be closed Wednesday, December 31st. All services (bill payment, accounts balance verification, funds collection, etc.) will be available during normal operating hours starting on Friday, January 2nd at 9:00 AM.

We thank you for your understanding.

12/29/2025

If you’re a woman Veteran facing mental health challenges, you’re not alone.

VA understands that women Veterans may have unique experiences and treatment needs.

Learn more: Mentalhealth.va.gov/women-vets/index.asp

12/23/2025

Veterans,

As you may have heard, an Executive Order was issued, excusing most federal employees from duty on December 24 and December 26. We want to remind our Veteran community that our facilities in Fresno, Merced, Oakhurst, and Visalia will remain open to ensure continued care for our Veteran patients. If you have an appointment on December 24 or 26, we will see you then. The outpatient pharmacy in Fresno will be open during our regular business hours of 8am to 5:30pm on December 24 and 26.

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) hours at VA Fresno will be adjusted over the holiday period. Below are the updated hours for the Patriot Café (cafeteria), Patriot Store (retail shop), and Patriot Brew (Starbucks).

December 24:
• Patriot Brew: Closed
• Patriot Café: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Grill and Simply to Go only)
• Patriot Store: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

December 25 (Christmas Day):
• All Canteen areas will be closed

December 26:
• Patriot Brew: Closed
• Patriot Café: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Grill and Simply to Go only)
• Patriot Store: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Additionally, please note:
• Our Business Office Lobby in Building 24 will be closed December 24, 25, and 26.
• Our Chapel service on Wednesday, December 24, is canceled.

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season!

12/23/2025

VA Central California was honored to take part in Wreaths Across America at Red Bank Cemetery in Clovis on December 13. Our Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief, Mary Golden, proudly served as the featured speaker.

Wreaths Across America is a national tradition dedicated to honoring our fallen heroes, KIA, and deceased Veterans by placing evergreen wreaths on their headstones - symbols of remembrance and enduring gratitude.

We are grateful to everyone who came together to remember their service, reflect on their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

12/23/2025

The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring feelings of anxiety for some. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out if you need help. The Veterans Crisis Line is here for you 24/7. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 for immediate support.

Take care of yourself and each other.

🎄

12/23/2025

Heartfelt Thanks to Our Generous Donors! 🎁

This holiday season, we are incredibly grateful to local organizations for their generosity in bringing joy and comfort to our Veterans!

The Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce in Madera Ranchos has been a supporter for the past 18 years! On December 18, Mike Fursman, President, and Ollia Ridge, Office Manager, came by VA Fresno to drop off bags filled with blankets, books, toothbrushes, t-shirts, socks, bath towels, and other goodies. Mike shared that they wanted to bring, “Something to bless them (Veteran patients) with. We hope to continue this year after year.”

Gaby Martinez, Volunteer Coordinator at St. Agnes Hospice, also helped to spread the holiday cheer. She encouraged and organized her team to donate in honor of the Veterans and patients they serve. Their generous contributions included notebooks, word search games, hairbrushes, and ink pens. Gabby expressed that in honor of our Veterans and patients they serve, “We just wanted to give back.”

Our Veterans deeply appreciate these heartfelt donations. Thank you for your incredible support and for making the holiday season brighter for those who have served our nation.

If you would like to donate, please contact our VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 559-228-5364 or email V21FRECDCEAdmin@va.gov.

12/22/2025

Saluting Our POWs 🎄

We were honored to attend the local Ax-POW (American Ex POW) Christmas Party at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District on December 19th. Our Medical Center Director Froy Garza presented a heartfelt tribute to our esteemed former Prisoners of War and Veterans, highlighting their courage and service.

A special moment was dedicated to Mr. Vern Schmidt, a WWII Veteran and long-time President of American Ex-POW Fresno Chapter One, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on January 21st. Our Director presented Mr. Schmidt with the VA Secretary’s coin and commendation. VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) Chief Mary Golden and Classical Vocalist Valerie Salcido had the honor of cutting the cake.

We salute all our heroes and wish everyone a happy holiday season!

12/22/2025

12/19/2025

12/18/2025

December 2025 Featured Mobile App

Mindfulness Coach was developed to help Veterans, Service members, and others learn how to practice mindfulness. The app provides a gradual, self-guided training program designed to help you understand and adopt a simple mindfulness practice. Mindfulness Coach also offers a library of information about mindfulness, 12 audio-guided mindfulness exercises, a growing catalog of additional exercises available for free download, goal-setting and tracking, a mindfulness mastery assessment to help you track your progress over time, customizable reminders, and access to other support and crisis resources.

Source: https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach

Video to share: https://youtu.be/XSQntf2uPnc

12/18/2025

The holidays are often a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring feelings of anxiety for some.

No matter what you’re experiencing, VA treatments and resources are available: Mentalhealth.va.gov/anxiety/treatment.asp

12/18/2025