VA Healthcare-VISN 4, along with all other VA medical centers throughout the country, is changing our tobacco policy to further our commitment to provide a safe and healthy environment for everyone.  

Beginning October 1, 2019, all employees, patients, residents, visitors, contractors, volunteers and vendors are no longer permitted to smoke or use tobacco at any VA medical center campus and outpatient clinics.

VHA Directives 1085 and 1085.01 cover all tobacco products and smoking materials, including, but not limited to:

• Cigarettes
• Electronic nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes and e-cigars
• Vape pens
• Cigars and pipes
• Matches, lighters and lighter fluid
• Any other combustion of tobacco

You are strongly encouraged to leave all tobacco and smoking materials at home. To reduce the risk of ignition near oxygen or other flammable gases used at our facilities, some areas may require materials to be stored during your visit.

All medical centers throughout VA Healthcare-VISN 4 offer tobacco treatment services for Veterans. If you would like more information about tobacco treatment, please contact your VA primary care team or visit www.va.gov/health/smokefree/.

We appreciate your cooperation and compliance to this new policy, and we thank you for allowing us to serve your health care needs.

Charles R. Thilges
Acting Network Director
VA Healthcare-VISN 4

Review and update your information

Ensuring that your mailing address, phone number, and email address are current and accurate in our system will help you stay up-to-date with your care and prevent any delays in mailing important items such as prescriptions and appointment reminders.   Here are three easy ways to review and update your personal information:  Online: Sign in at www.va.gov and select the drop-down menu under your name. Click "profile" to view your current mailing address and other important information.     By phone: Please call 1-877-222-VETS (8387), select option #0. At your next appointment: View and update your information during check-in using any of the lobby kiosk systems or speak with any of our administrative team members.  By secure messaging: Send a secure message in My HealtheVet with your current information to your facility's "Update Your Contact Information" Team.