Syracuse VA Medical Center

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

02/24/2026

Starting in March 2026, the Syracuse VA Medical Center will introduce Park a Prescription, giving Veterans greater control over when their medications are filled and mailed.

If a prescription is placed in “park,” the VA pharmacy will keep the medication on file, but it will not be automatically mailed. Instead, it will remain on hold until the Veteran requests it. This may apply to a new prescription or one previously received.

Parking a prescription helps reduce medication stockpiles and waste, avoids unnecessary fills that may result in copays, and allows Veterans time to decide whether the medication is needed before it is dispensed.

When ready, Veterans can request their medication through the my HealtheVet application, by managing prescriptions on VA.gov, using the “Prescription” feature in the VA Health and Benefits mobile app, calling the local VA pharmacy, or using the VA mail-in refill service.

This approach provides greater flexibility, reduces waste, and ensures medication management is guided by the Veteran’s needs and preferences.

02/24/2026

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.

02/24/2026

Last Friday, our staff held an Infection Prevention and Control Fair to train our team on crucial safety measures.

Our Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, Stacy Mullin, RN, demonstrated proper hand hygiene, and donning and doffing of PPE. Volunteers were painted blue to test their ability to discard PPE without contamination.

Michele Webber, RN, Quality Specialist, used a blacklight to show how commonly-touched areas in patient rooms can be contaminated with germs.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

02/23/2026

VA Syracuse Healthcare System Announces New Executive Director

SYRACUSE, NY — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced today the appointment of Michael DelDuca as the new executive director of VA Syracuse Healthcare System.

“We are excited to have Michael DelDuca on board as the new Executive Director of VA Syracuse, said Bruce Tucker, Network Director of the VA New York and New Jersey Healthcare Network. “Over Michael’s time with VA, he has demonstrated the department’s commitment to the delivery of safe high quality health care, and he will continue to be a valuable asset to the network, the employees and volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve.”

Michael DelDuca is originally from Canandaigua, New York. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Geneseo and a Master of Business Administration, Healthcare Management from the Clarkson University.

He began his career at the VA Capitol Healthcare Network (VISN 5) as an administrative fellow in 2013. He later transferred to VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore) advancing to roles such as Senior Department Administrator- Nursing/Patient Care Services, Medicine/Clinical Care, Facility Telehealth Coordinator, Administrator-Anesthesia and Neurology Clinical Care Centers. In 2018, he joined the Syracuse VA Medical Center as Ambulatory Care Line Manager. During his tenure, he also served as Acting Associate Medical Center Director.

In January 2021, Michael was selected as the Associate Medical Center Director/COO at the Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. Prior to this appointment, he also served as the Acting Senior Advisor to the Assistant Undersecretary for Health (AUSH) for Integrated Veteran Care (IVC).

Michael is a graduate of the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) and Health Care Leadership Development Program. He is also a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

In his new role, DelDuca will be responsible for the delivery of health care services at 12 locations in central New York. Facilities include our Syracuse VA Medical Center and 11 community-based outpatient clinics in Auburn, Binghamton, Cortland, Massena, Oswego, Rome, Syracuse, and Watertown.

To find out more about the VA Syracuse Healthcare System visit https://www.va.gov/syracuse-health-care/about-us/

02/23/2026

Not enrolled in VA health care but looking for mental health support?

Find confidential counseling and peer support at a local Vet Center near you: Mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/local-care.asp

02/20/2026

Today, on National Caregivers Day, we honor the caregivers who give so much of themselves to support our Nation’s Veterans. Your compassion, dedication, and quiet strength do not go unnoticed.

02/19/2026

Veterans across the Syracuse VA Health Care System are finding new hope through a holistic pain program that’s helping them regain comfort, mobility, and quality of life.

02/19/2026

Make this quit attempt your last. VA’s winning combination of medication and counseling is your best chance at quitting for good.

Reach out to your VA provider about creating a treatment plan that will set you up for success: Mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-tobacco/how-to-quit.asp