Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Thursday, May 21, 2026

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

freedom 350 vha 80 graphic

Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Thursday, May 21, 2026


Announcements

Memorial Day on Monday, May 25

Memorial Day 2026

On Memorial Day, we come together to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Their courage, patriotism, and sacrifice are remembered today and always.

At the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, we are committed to serving our Veterans with purpose, passion, and pride as we honor their legacy of service.


VA News Banner

Veteran Training

VA courses are free, available 24/7, and 100% confidential  

Free, self paced mental health trainings

Explore free, self-paced mental health trainings that you can do anytime, anywhere.

If you’re a Veteran looking for self-help resources, check out online training courses from VA at Veteran Training.

Although you may find these courses helpful, they are not intended to replace treatment by a healthcare professional. For more information on how to access VA mental health services, visit: VA Mental Health Services | Veterans Affairs

Note: This site does not offer a “certificate of completion” and is not designed to fulfill court requirements.


Build healthier habits with MOVE! Coach

MOVE! Coach graphic

Step into healthier living with the MOVE! Coach app. Access self-guided exercise modules, nutrition resources, and progress trackers to build healthy habits.

To learn more, check out the MOVE! Coach App webpage. 


VA community care network and covered services 

VA community Care graphic

VA community care network helps us offer Veterans quality health care outside VA, in their local communities, when needed.

Learn about VA Community care network and services and get answers to common questions about community care.


local news

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System receive top marks in 2026 CMS report

SAVAHCS 5 Star on CMS Rating

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) announced today that it received a 5-star rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ annual Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating report. 

To learn more, check out the following VA news article Southern Arizona VA Health Care System receive top marks in 2026 CMS report.


Women Veteran Whole Health Virtual Focus Group 

Women Veteran Focus Group Graphic

You can still RSVP today!

The Virtual Women Veteran Whole Health Virtual Focus Group will be held on Friday, May 22, 2025 from noon to 1:00 p.m. 

The group is open to all women Veterans currently receiving care at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Participants must be comfortable being on camera, and no compensation is provided. The group is limited to 10 participants who have not previously participated in previous focus groups. This is not a support group.

To participate, please contact Gloria.TorresSantiago@va.gov.


Tips to help you stay safe during Arizona summer heat!

Summer Heat Safety Graphic

Summer in Arizona is more than hot; it can be dangerous. Check out the following tips below to stay safe during a hot Arizona summer. 

  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Wear sunscreen.
  • Wear light-colored loose clothing and sunglasses.
  • Never leave children, pets, or those needing special care in a parked car.
  • Stay away from direct sun exposure from 10am to 4pm.
  • Avoid exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Acclimate to hot conditions slowly.
  • Keep your house cool.
  • Take cool showers.
  • Eat light food.
  • Take precautions with medications.
  • Take care of your pets, provide water, shade and cool place to rest.

For more information on heat safety in Arizona, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services Extreme Weather Heat Safety webpage. 


community events

Douglas Arizona Claims Clinic and Veteran Resource Fair

Douglas Claims event graphic

Join us July 14–15, 2026 for a Veteran Claims Clinic and Resource Fair at the Balar Entertainment Center  located at 1703 9th Street, Douglas, Ariona. This is your opportunity to file a new claim, check the status of an existing one, and connect with valuable resources—all in one place.

Need help getting there or want more details?

Contact Norma Galindo at 520-439-3596 or Maria Valles at 520-439-3599. You can also visit the Arizona@Work office on East 7th Street in Douglas for additional information.


DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.


Resources

VA Resource Navigator 

VA Resource Guide

Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?

Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.


VA is here for you

1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number. 

My VA 411 graphic

Sent to Esdek@podam.pl on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)