Switch from DS Logon to Login.gov or ID.me by September 30
After Sept. 30, 2025, Veterans will have two secure options to sign in to VA.gov and VA mobile apps―a Login.gov account or ID.me account. Most Veterans have already made the switch. If you’re still using a DS Logon username and password, we want to make sure you’re prepared when this option is discontinued by the end of September.
For more information on how to transition, visit Switch from DS Logon to Login.gov or ID.me by September 30.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
 Utilize S.A.V.E Training
S: Suicide prevention is everyone’s business. You can play a vital role in suicide prevention by reaching out to someone who is exhibiting warning signs of crisis or suicide risk and by showing your support. Helping someone feel included can make a big difference during a challenging time.
A: Special training is not required to approach the subject of suicide, and asking others about suicide does not lead them to have suicidal thoughts. In fact, research tells us that asking others the question gives them permission to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
V: No matter how casually or jokingly stated, comments about emotional distress, crisis, or suicide should always be taken seriously. By actively listening and validating the thoughts and feelings of someone who talks about suicide provides them with an opportunity to be heard and understood.
E: It’s important to ensure that anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide never be left alone and receive expedited emergency resources by contacting 911, presenting to the nearest emergency department, or nearest VA for assistance.
National Unsheltered Veterans surge event makes significant impact in Tucson
The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) hosted its National Unsheltered Veterans Surge Event from Monday, August 25, through Friday, August 29, bringing hope and support to unsheltered Veterans.
The weeklong event featured coordinated efforts to provide immediate housing and essential services to Veterans living on the streets.
To learn more about the event, read National Unsheltered Veterans surge event makes significant impact in Tucson.
Flu Vaccines are now available!
 Flu shots are now available at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System!
You can get your flu shot during a scheduled appointments in Primary Care, specialty clinics, and the hemodialysis unit.
Walk-ins at the Immunization Clinic, Building 80 South are available Monday through Friday, (except for Federal Holidays) from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) will be providing Flu vaccines during clinic appointments, can be scheduled by appointment, and will accommodate walk-ins during business hours.
For a list of CBOC locations, visit https://www.va.gov/southern-arizona-health-care/locations/ or call the main number at 520-792-1450.
Drive-Up Flu Shot Clinic
 No appointment necessary. The drive-up flu shot clinic at the Tucson VA Medical Center will be held on the following dates:
- Saturday, September 27 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 18 from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Request Your Prescription Refills Early to Ensure You Get Your Medications When You Need Them!
One of our top priorities is to make sure that you are always receiving your prescription refills on time.
The best tip to avoid delays in receiving prescription refills is to reorder your next refill the same day you receive your current one. This allows plenty of time for possible delivery delays by the U.S. Post Service, and it also allows VA pharmacists to check with your providers to ensure refills are available if prescriptions have expired.
There are several options for you to refill your prescriptions through VA Pharmacy:
1) Refill Online
Access your VA.gov (https://www.va.gov/) account, select the My HealtheVet tab in the upper right, and click Refill VA Prescriptions
For assistance, contact the Virtual Health Resource Center (VHRC) at (520) 629-1713 or TucsonVHRC@va.gov.
2) Refill by App
Download the VA: Health and Benefits app at https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-and-benefits. With the VA Health and Benefits app, order refills and track your VA prescriptions.
3) Refill by Phone
Call 1-800-470-8262, then choose option 1 for pharmacy
For the automatic system, press 1 or to speak with pharmacy staff, press 2
4) Refill by Mail
Mail in refill slip provided with your current prescription
Write your request on a piece of paper. Be sure to include your full name, social security number, the medications you need refilled, and mail your request to VA pharmacy:
Pharmacy Service 11-119
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
3601 S. 6th Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85723
If you have any questions, you can reach a VA Pharmacy staff member by calling 1-800-470-8262.
COVID 19 Vaccine Update
 The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) wants to inform our Veterans that the new COVID-19 vaccine for the 2025–2026 season is not yet available at our facility. While it may be offered in the community, the SAVAHCS follows CDC guidance, and the CDC has not yet recommended this new formulation.
We anticipate having the vaccine available for Veterans once the CDC issues its recommendations. If you receive a prescription for the vaccine outside of VA, please be aware it may result in a bill.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to serve you. We are honored to care for our Nation’s Veterans.
Fisher House Open House
 Join us on Friday, September 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for the SAVAHCS Fisher House Open House, as we honor the birthday of Zachary Fisher, founder of Fisher House.
Meet the Fisher House team, enjoy a tour, and learn about the eligibility requirements.
Refreshments will be provided while supplies last!
POW/MIA 24-Hour Vigil Run at Davis Monthan Air Force Base
Davis Monthan Air Force Base is hosting a POW/MIA 24 Hour Vigil Run starting on Thursday, September 18 at 3:00 p.m. to Friday, September 19 to 3:00 p.m. The run is open to anyone with base access.
Water will be for the runners. Following the run, participants are encouraged to attend the POW/MIA ceremony at the Pima Air and Space Museum.
For more information on the run, email Alexis Aguirre at alexis.j.aguirre2.mil@health.mil.
National POW/MIA Recognition Day
 Join us on Friday, September 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pima Air and Space Museum, located at 6000 E. Valencia Rd., for a POW/MIA Ceremony.
In collaboration with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, we will honor those who were former Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.
Community Mental Health Summit
 Join us for a Mental Health Summit on Wednesday, October 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to learn about suicide prevention, education, and community
To sign up scan the QR Code or visit Veterans Health Administration VISN 22 Community Mental Health Summit.
VA Resource Navigator
Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?
Check out the new 2025 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.
VA is here for you
1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number.
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