 
 In 2022, the Cancer Program at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center embarked on a journey to obtain Commission on Cancer Accreditation through the American College of Surgeons. This initiative required the Cancer Program to meet 36 various standards that addressed the entire continuum of comprehensive cancer care, from prevention and detection to survivorship and surveillance. With collaboration from several services and robust Cancer Committee, the site review, which took place on August 8th, was a wild success! After the site review, the Commission on Cancer typically takes 45 days to deliberate whether a facility is designated as an accredited program. However, within 10 days, we received notification our program is accredited and should be considered a flagship VA hospital! VA Long Beach is now 1 of 35 VA facilities across the Nation, and 1 of 2 in California, with an accredited Cancer Program!
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the tragic fires. Our posture continues to evolve as the fires persist. VALBHS will continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to implement additional safety measures, as necessary.
VA services in Long Beach are open and operational to include the main hospital, emergency department, and all Community Based Outpatient Clinics.
Additionally, VA has proactively reached out to share updates and resources to Veterans and employees potentially impacted by the fires.
Veterans in need of disaster-related assistance can call the VAGLAHS resource line at 877-251-7295 for information and support. Phone support is available 24/7 through the VISN 22 Clinical Contact Center at 1-800-952-4852, Option 2 to for virtual care and support (including pharmacy) to Veterans.
For the latest updates on VA Long Beach Healthcare System, please visit our Facebook, Instagram, X and website.
More information can also be found at the VA Disaster Help website.
 On Monday, January 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, VA Long Beach will be open with some operations on limited hours.
VA is committed to ensuring Veterans have access to care. Veterans with appointments or procedures on January 20 will be seen as scheduled and Veteran Transportation Services will operate as planned.
Our Emergency Department and inpatient services will also remain operational, as these run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
 The Community Resource and Referral Center, located in downtown Santa Ana, CA, has started providing additional resources onsite for Veterans who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. These services include Veterans Benefits Administration, Supportive Services for Veteran Families (Volunteers of America Los Angeles & 1736 Family Crisis Center), Orange County Social Services Agency (Medi-CAL, CAl Fresh, General Relief), and OC MHA Veteran Services.
Location Information:
VA Community Resource and Referral Center
888 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Suite 150
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-568-9803
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
Army Veteran Bill Seelaus struggled with homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. Then a beginner’s Tai Chi for Arthritis class at his local VA Medical Center enabled him to embark on a journey of recovery. Now, a Whole Health approach has empowered him to take the next step toward helping fellow Veterans and building a healthier relationship with his family. Whole Health inspires Veterans like Bill to discover their mission, aspiration, and purpose.
Read his story.
Experience the healing power of Tai Chi at VA Long Beach! To request a Tai Chi referral, reach out to your healthcare team today
Veterans with visual impairments and other qualifying, life-changing disabilities are given an opportunity to develop new skills and challenge their perceived limitations through adaptive golf and a variety of other activities. The event uses a therapeutic format to promote rehabilitation, fellowship and camaraderie among the Veterans attending.
For those interested in applying as a Veteran participant, please review the qualifying disabilities listed below. If you have a qualifying disability please review the informational letter below and download a Veteran participant application. The application window for Veteran participants is from January 13th – April 4th, 2025.
All the activities offered by the NDVGC office will give Veterans an opportunity to develop new skills, strengthen their self-esteem, and expand fellowship and camaraderie among the participants. The event provides eligible Veterans with an opportunity to participate in therapeutic adaptive sporting and other recreational activities; which demonstrates that having a visual impairment or physical disability is a conquerable obstacle to an active, fulfilling and rewarding life.
Qualifying disabilities include:
- Visual Impairments
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
- Limb-loss or amputations
- Parkinson’s
- Multiple Sclerosis
- CVA with Residual
Common disabilities that do not qualify include:
- Anxiety
- Chronic Pain
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Depression
- Low Back Pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
All disabilities are subject to review the by National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic medical director and program director. If you have any questions related to qualifying disabilities please contact Nick Beelner at (319) 358-5963 or Nicholas.Beelner@va.gov.
 In 2025, you'll need to switch to using a Login.gov or ID.me account to sign in to all VA websites and apps - including My VA Health.
Create your account now
 
 The Veteran Social Connection (VSC) provides Veterans with an opportunity to meet and socialize in a safe environment and provide resources for Veterans. The VSC is held on the last Friday of each month from 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. on the Patriot Café Patio. Come by on January 31!
 Come join us in-person at Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Bldg. 165, Rm. D101 (The Egg) from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 12 to hear updates and ask your questions during our Q&A session!
See you there!
 Calling all enrolled Veterans! Got 15-20 minutes? Join us on campus the 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th Thursdays of the month. Meet us in building 166 on 2nd floor, room F235. No appointment needed, just show up, sign in, and complete a brief questionnaire. We are here from 11:00 a.m. - noon.
This energy treatment is a relaxing, nurturing, heart-centered energy therapy that uses gentle, intentional touch that assists in balancing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. It's complementary to standard medical care.
Healing Touch is beneficial in calming anxiety and reducing symptoms of depression, decreasing pain, strengthening the immune system, enhancing recovery from surgery, complementing care for neck and spine problems, deepening spiritual connection, supporting cancer care, creating a sense of well-being, easing acute and chronic conditions, and supporting resiliency in health care providers. Fifteen minute treatments are given as you sit in a chair.
 
 Veterans: Make the dream of home ownership a reality.
Homebuyer program qualifications:
- Have a steady and verifiable source of income
- Be credit worthy and have low debt
- Meet income requirements
- Have a valid need for improved housing
- Live or work in Santa Ana, CA
Attend a FREE orientation:
The orientation will provide valuable information on the Habitat program including what you need to qualify, what it means to be a Habitat homeowner, how we make homes affordable and what is required from our homeowners.
Online Orientation (Approximately 30 minutes)
Screening Form (Approximately 10 minutes)
We hope you find Health & Heroes a helpful resource to keep you informed about the many great resources and services available at VA Long Beach Healthcare System (VALBHS). We look forward to highlighting and sharing stories about our Veterans and the dedicated team members who are entrusted with your care.
We want you to have the information you need to manage your health and live your healthiest life. We're excited to bring you Health & Heroes and hope you enjoy our facility magazine!
 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 all the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.
Read more
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.
|
