VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

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

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

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.

03/02/2026

Veterans, you’ve earned your benefits. VA health care is one of them. From primary care to mental health support, VA is built to serve Veterans — because your service matters.
https://www.va.gov/health-care/

02/27/2026

We're thrilled to introduce our brand new newsletter - Across the Islands. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, health tips, and stories dedicated to our Veterans!
Click the link to view the full newsletter
https://ow.ly/8muz50Ynh3z

02/27/2026

02/26/2026

As a Veteran, your military service may have exposed you to unique factors that can increase your risk of heart disease.
In addition to traditional risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes, mental health concerns such as PTSD and depression can contribute to your risk.
The Million Veteran Program is studying ways to improve treatments for heart disease.
You can make a difference by joining MVP today. www.mvp.va.gov

02/25/2026

Congratulations to DAISY Award Honoree, Nurse Zeny Yasuda! 🌼

When one Veteran was facing the overwhelming diagnoses of cancer and diabetes, he felt exhausted, afraid, and unsure of how to move forward. During one of his most difficult days, Nurse Zeny Yasuda met him with compassion, steady guidance, and unwavering optimism.

Because of her support and encouragement, his diabetes is now under control, his health has improved, and his outlook on life has completely changed.

Zeny’s dedication and heart for Veterans truly embody what the DAISY Award represents.

Congratulations, Nurse Yasuda, and thank you for the incredible difference you make every day!

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

DAISY NURSE LEADER RUCHELLE BALANAY

DCP Nurse Manager, CITC I wholeheartedly nominate Ruchelle Balanay, RN, for the DAISY Award for her sustained commitment to exceptional patient care, collaboration, and clinical excellence. On numerous occasions, Ruchelle has demonstrated an ability to consistently step up, going beyond expected duties to help patients and facilitate seamless coordination with other service lines. Ruchelle is an exemplary RN Case Manager whose clinical skills and initiative directly translate to better, more efficient patient outcomes. Two recent events highlight her truly exceptional contributions: Preventing Travel Delays with Proactive Intervention In a situation that involved a patient needing VA-funded travel coordination, Ruchelle demonstrated incredible initiative and foresight. Instead of relying solely on phone calls or digital communication, Ruchelle physically went to TAMC Specialty Care to gather firsthand, critical information on the patients status and ability to travel. This proactive step prevented significant delays and eliminated the typical back-and-forth communication and clarification often associated with complex travel funding logistics. Her direct intervention ensured the patient's care progression was smooth and uninterrupted. Expeditious Collaboration for Higher-Level CareAnother key event relates to an inpatient needing a Medevac transfer for a higher level of care. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Ruchelle initiated most expeditious efforts to obtain and gather necessary information. She collaborated seamlessly among multiple VA's and community service lines. Her swift, decisive action enabled the patient to be transferred smoothly and efficiently, directly contributing to the patient receiving the necessary advanced care and achieving the best possible health outcomes

02/24/2026

Exciting news! Registration for this year's Koa Challenge is now open! You can pick up registration packets at the Spark Matsunaga Lobby and the Daniel K. Akaka Atrium. Don’t miss your chance to join in on the fun and challenge yourself. Good luck to all this year's competitors!

02/24/2026

The Veterans Crisis Line can help Veterans’ family members and friends get connected with helpful resources too.

Dial 988 then Press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.