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
Power has been restored to the Astoria VA Clinic, and the clinic has reopened today, 12/17/25. Provided there are no additional changes to the weather or power disruptions overnight tonight, the clinic should continue tomorrow with normal hours.
We apologize for any inconvenience. We will post updates if there are any status changes. Thank you for your patronage and continued support of VA Portland Health Care System!
12/17/2025
Due to last night's windstorm and resulting power outage, the VA Portland Health Care System's Astoria VA Clinic will be closed today.
Pacific Power is estimating 51,000 customers without power, with no ETA on restoration of service. Astoria VA Clinic staff are not able to access the building due to card key readers being disabled, and computer service being cut by the lack of power.
Veterans who had appointments scheduled in Astoria for today are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to reschedule.
12/17/2025
When you work at VA, you join a team that is dedicated to finding new and innovative
ways to improve health care for Veterans.
At the VA, we are committed to making life better for the more than 9 million Veterans who rely on us for health care. We support that commitment by empowering our employees to explore new and unique ways to care for those Veterans, providing the best patient care and better prospects for caregivers to engage in cutting-edge breakthroughs.
Take your career to new heights in VA’s innovative environment. Visit vacareers.va.gov to learn more.
12/16/2025
In this episode of Glad You Asked, Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence breaks down the Benefits Delivery at Discharge program for service members who want their disability benefits ready when they leave the military.
Did you know the VA now makes it easier for women Veterans to access gynecology care?
Enrolled women Veterans can now schedule gynecology appointments without needing
a referral from primary care. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) to help guide your health care decisions:
Q: Can I still ask my provider for a gynecology appointment?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I still receive women’s health care services from VA primary care?
A: Yes. If you choose, you can continue receiving routine women’s health care, screening, and services from your regular women’s health and primary care teams.
Q: Will I be charged a copay after a gynecology appointment?
A: You may be charged copays for VA gynecology care for conditions not related to your
military service, depending on your service-connected disability rating and income. You
can contact the revenue department at your nearest VA medical facility or the Health
Resource Center (HRC) if you have questions about copays.
Q: How can I schedule a VA gynecology appointment?
A: Contact your local VA medical facility to schedule a gynecology appointment.
Need more information?
We’re here to support you. Call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN
(1-855-829-6636). Women Veterans Call Center representatives are available Monday
to Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET, excluding federal
holidays.
12/15/2025
Unhealthy use of alcohol can damage your work performance and family relationships, and it can lead to legal problems.
You’re not alone. Learn more about how VA can help treat alcohol use disorder: Mentalhealth.va.gov/substance-use/alcohol-use-disorder.asp
12/15/2025
The VA’s National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (NCCHV) provides Veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The NCCHV hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA medical facilities, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community. Call the NCCHV hotline toll free at 877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).
To learn about VA homeless programs and mental health services in your area, visit www.va.gov/homeless/.
12/14/2025
Cook all your meals in one pot to save time and clean up. Join the VA Healthy Teaching Kitchen classes to learn more ways to cook stress-free.
After the loss of a Veteran, families may receive suspicious calls, texts, or emails about VA benefits.
Scammers often target survivors during this difficult time. Deputy Secretary, Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D. shares practical tips to help survivors protect themselves:
• Contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 with any questions
• Safeguard DD214s and military records
• Create and use a VA.gov account
• Avoid clicking on links in texts or emails
• Do not share personal information
• Review documents carefully
Be vigilant, especially in times of bereavement, and know that VA is here to support you.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VA Portland Health Care System posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
In November 1921 a hospital for Veterans was opened by the United States Public Health Service in Portland, Oregon.
On May 1, 1922 it was transferred from the Public Health Service to the United States Veterans’ Bureau.
The land for the Portland Campus was donated in 1926 by the regents of the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital after they received the entire Marquam Hill property from Mrs. C.S. Jackson.
The first 15 buildings were completed and dedicated in 1929.
In 1932 the New Administration building was built.
In 1935 building 4 was renovated.
13 temporary (Quonset huts) were added from 1946-48.
In 1948 the Veterans Administration launched a $3 million hospital addition on Marquam Hill in Sam Jackson Park for a seven-story 155 bed tuberculosis hospital. The tuberculosis Hospital, Building 25, was completed in 1949.
In 1955 the Oregon VA Hospitals went through modernization.
The Construction of the U.S. Army Hospital by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was completed in 1940.
The hospital was dedicated and named after General Joseph K. Barnes, MD, Surgeon General in 1941.
Barnes General Hospital opened and the first patient was admitted in 1941.
In 1945 Twenty-Three German Prisoner’s of War (POWs) were transferred to the Barnes General Hospital as a labor battalion.
In 1946 Barnes General Hospital was reduced from 1502 to 100 beds, and the staff was cut from 1056 to 126 staff members. The name was changed to the Vancouver Barracks Station Hospital, as ownership was transferred to the Veterans Administration; opening the doors on August 1, 1946 in Vancouver, Washington.
In 1957 the Vancouver Hospital was separated from the Portland VA Hospital
