Phoenix VA Health Care System

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

Veterans,

Phoenix VA will remain open for all Veteran appointments previously scheduled for Dec. 24 or Dec. 26.

On Dec. 18, 2025 President Trump issued an Executive Order excusing Federal employees from duty on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26, 2025 with pay and without a charge to leave, except those employees who, in the judgement of the head of the agency, cannot be excused for reasons of national security, defense, or other public need.

All direct care and services provided to Veterans are “public need,” and no care/services provided to our Veterans shall be compromised, cancelled, or modality changed on Wednesday, Dec. 24 or Friday, Dec. 26, 2025.

12/20/2025

Phoenix VA held its last Veggies for Veterans event of the year at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center on Dec. 18.

Seven hundred bags were distributed this month to thank Veterans for their service to our nation as well as Phoenix VA’s Public Affairs team also handed out blankets to Veterans. In addition, Veterans received toiletry items inside of their vegetable bag.

Before the start of the event, Veterans lined the halls of the Phoenix VA or drove their vehicles in front of the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center’s ACC in anticipation of being handed a bag filled with apples, oranges, cucumbers, carrots, and more. Distribution began at 9 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m.

Special thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time to pack the bags for our Veterans and the sponsors, State Farm, Legacy Foundation, Peddler's Son, and Arizona Public Service - APS.

View more photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/pvahcs/albums/72177720331042129/

12/19/2025

U.S. Marine Veteran James “Jim” Starkman, a representative from Sun City West Corte Bella Vets dropped off more than 300 Christmas gifts, handwritten cards, homemade ornaments and gift cards totaling $29,040 that were funded and donated through the Angel Tree program in Sun City West to Phoenix VA’s Voluntary Service Office, Dec. 16.

The gifts will go to Veterans residing in the Phoenix VA’s Community Living Center (CLC) and Domiciliary-Substance Use Disorder (DOM-SUD) on Christmas Eve and Day. Currently, there are 21 Veterans in CLC and 19 Veterans in DOM-SUD. Corte Bella Vets has provided gifts to our Veterans since 2002.

12/19/2025

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

12/17/2025

The Phoenix VA Social Work Service SQUAD Workgroup, which stands for Social Justice, Quality of Care, Understanding, Acceptance, and Dedication volunteered at St. Mary's Food Bank for their quarterly community outreach event on Dec. 16.

Twelve social workers worked together on an assembly line to pack 1,728 emergency food boxes for distribution across the Phoenix community. Typically, in a 2-hour shift, up to 1,400 emergency food boxes are assembled. However, our social workers, along with other community volunteers, exceeded the shift expectation! SQUAD enjoys contributing to the mission of St. Mary's Food Bank, providing hunger relief in Arizona, and we look forward to returning for future volunteer opportunities.

The Phoenix VA Social Work Service (SWS) "SQUAD" Workgroup represents volunteer staff in the service line that meet in person/phone monthly to develop/plan opportunities and activities that support the Social Work Core Values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. They focus on employee engagement through networking, employee recognition, service, and self-care/wellness support.

12/17/2025

12/16/2025

Enrolled women Veterans can now schedule VA gynecology appointments without needing a referral from primary care.

Learn More: https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-makes-it-easier-for-women-veterans-to-access-gynecology-care/

12/16/2025

Congratulations to this week’s , Dr. Jamie Landsverk, also known as Major Landsverk, in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Dr. Landsverk encourages collaboration between her team and multiple other facility departments and programs and has gone above and beyond to ensure her team and the Nursing Practitioner Transition To Practice students work with their interdisciplinary counterparts to improve work practices and increase efficiencies for Veterans.

Recently, she set up training with new Primary Care Providers to create more collaboration with Referral Coordination to eliminate barriers and misunderstandings. Her communication and actions are always highly professional and inciteful. She leads with integrity and approaches all conversations with an open mind.

Congrats Maj. Landsverk!

12/16/2025

Last Veggies For Vets event of the year!

Looking for some fresh fruits and vegetables you can use to make those holiday parties even more special? Then join us at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center on Dec. 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. We will be giving away 700 bags of fruits and vegetables.