 
 Happy Independence Day!
In observance of Independence Day, we will be closed July 4, 2024.
 We had some amazing people take part in our 4th of July Chalk Drawing yesterday! For all who came out to support the event, thank you!
 On Wednesday, June 26, during his west coast visit, Bishop Joseph Coffey celebrated Mass with our very own Father Athan at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center. Bishop Coffey is a Navy Veteran and now serves as one of the four Auxiliary Bishops under Archbishop Timothy Broglio who is over the entire Military Archdiocese. Bishop Coffey is over the VA, making him the top Catholic priest for the VA.
VA Long Beach Healthcare System currently has eight chaplains on staff.
Chaplains provide religious, spiritual, and pastoral care to Veterans and their families by:
- Conducting worship services, memorial services, rituals, rites, religious sacraments and ordinances
- Providing clinical pastoral care for individual patients
- Providing clinical pastoral counseling with individuals and immediate family members during crisis situations
- Facilitating spirituality groups
- Providing religious/spiritual literature
Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center houses a Chapel in building 2, room 247. Services held in the Chapel are broadcast live on CCTV throughout the facility. There's a Roman Catholic Mass at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. There is also a Protestant Service at 10:15 a.m. every Sunday.
Patients, visitors and staff can also visit the Prayer and Meditation Room in building 1, room 234 and the Blessed Sacrament Chapel in room 239.
 Update: The Judging and Exhibition on August 9, 2024 will take place in the Stars and Stripes Plaza due to renovations in the Egg.
 VA Long Beach Healthcare System proudly offers Audiology services at our Gardena VA Clinic location. Scheduled Appointments Only - call 562-826-5414.
 
 Setting up your Medical ID on your phone can assist first responders/hospital staff access your medical information (i.e. medical conditions, allergies, medications) and your emergency contacts.
Note: This feature can be accessed from your phone lock screen by anyone in the event of an emergency without unlocking the phone.
Please find the links below for instructions on how to set up the Medical ID feature on your phone:
iPhones
Android Phones
Whole Health centers around mindful awareness, also known as “mindfulness.” This focused awareness helps you determine what’s most important to you, which is what Whole Health is all about. It is the doorway through which you can connect to all aspects of your health and well-being.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness involves noticing what is happening when it happens. It is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.
Why is mindfulness important for health?
Practicing mindfulness unlocks the connection between our minds and our bodies. Our thoughts impact our health in a powerful way—our minds affect our bodies, and our bodies affect our minds. For example, sometimes when you think about stressful things, your heart rate and blood pressure go up. But changing your mindset can aid in healing and coping.
Mindfulness improves well-being by reducing stress, developing resilience, managing pain, increasing focus, and improving anxiety and depression. In addition, as you practice mindfulness, you will deepen your appreciation of your own life.
What does a mindfulness practice involve?
Mindfulness activities may include meditation, grounding, guided imagery, even art and music. Physical mind-body exercises such as yoga, tai chi, and qi gong have the added benefit of improving strength and flexibility.
Learn more about the power of the mind and its role in Whole Health, including resources to help you get started with a mindful awareness practice. In addition, many VA medical centers offer in-person or remote activities related to mindfulness. Contact your VA facility to find out more about local Whole Health offerings.
Mindfulness Practices at VA Long Beach
There are many great ways to practice mindfulness! Explore what practices fit your interests and lifestyle with the Whole Health program at VA Long Beach!
To learn more about Whole Health:
• Stop by the Veterans Resource Center (Building 165, Room C108)
• Call (562) 826-8000, ext. 1-8670
• Request a Whole Health consult from your healthcare team
Virtual Overview of VA Benefits and Services
In partnership with Department of Labor, who has oversight of Off-Base Transition Training (OBTT), VA is offering a 45-minute virtual Overview of VA Benefits and Services workshop. This is a comprehensive overview of benefits and services provided by VA.
During this workshop you will learn:
- How to access the benefits you've earned
- Key benefit considerations
- How to connect with VA
Dates:
- July 9 at 2:00 p.m. ET
- July 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET
- August 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET
- August 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Join us! Register for our workshop.
 
 Celebrate with us this 4th of July at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, Patriot Park on July 4, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Have some BBQ, dance to live music and enjoy door prizes!
See you there!
 Join us at Santa Ana College for our next In-Person Veteran Town Hall on July 17, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Space is limited, please RSVP via email to attend in person or join us via Webex online.
Password:8khK8PAPM?6
PIN: 85458727
 Calling all Women Veterans: Join VA Long Beach in our virtual focus group on July 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. virtually! We want to hear your feedback on your VA health care experience.
Please RSVP to Laurie Rudisill, Women Veteran Program Manager at 562-826-5617.
  MyVA411
The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on.
Work with us!
Find VA Long Beach Healthcare System jobs on USA Jobs.
Find out how to work with us in other ways!
VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274 toll-free
Disclaimer of Endorsement:
Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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