SAVAHCS Virtual Veteran Healthcare Update
Join us on Thursday, January 29, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our virtual Veteran
Healthcare Update.
This will be an opportunity to learn more about our community based outpatient clinics new lab hours, healthcare programs and initiatives. You will also hear from our executive leadership team on VA updates, upcoming outreach events, and more.
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Virtual Veteran Health Care Update link to register.
Jumpstart your January with Whole Health
Start 2026 strong with SMART goals and support from VA Whole Health
January brings a mix of reflection and anticipation—the old year fades and a new one begins with fresh opportunities. For many Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life, this time can feel both exciting and uncertain. The good news: You don’t have to navigate it alone. VA Whole Health is here to help you focus on what matters most to you, not just what’s the matter with you.
Groundbreaking marks new era of care for Yuma Veterans
On January 23, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Yuma VA Outpatient Clinic, a milestone that expands access to high-quality care for Veterans in the region.
“This is more than a building project,” said SAVAHCS Interim Director Maria Nguyen. “We are investing in the future of Veteran health care in Yuma — creating a place of healing and renewal for those who served.”
To learn more read Groundbreaking marks new era of care for Yuma Veterans.
Limited Lodging in the Tucson Metro Area
Due to the upcoming Tucson Gem Shows, lodging availability will be significantly limited from January 28 to February 15. There will be no weekend lodging (Friday to Sunday) during this time.
Our lodging services are provided as a non-contracted courtesy. Priority for lodging will be given to Veterans who are scheduled on campus and live more than 2 hours away.
We encourage you to plan accordingly and secure your accommodations early to ensure you have a place to stay during this busy period.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, call (520) 792-1450, extension 1-6305.
Prostate Cancer Screening
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About 1 in every 8 men will develop prostate cancer. One in 44 men will die from prostate cancer making it the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in among men in the United States.
It is important to know if you may be at risk. Prostate cancer screening is a resource you can use to help catch cancer early. If you have risk factors for prostate cancer, talk with your primary care provider about screening for prostate cancer.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
- Older age ( > 50 years old)
- Black/African American men
- Family member with prostate cancer
- Lynch syndrome
- Gene changes (BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Agent Orange exposure
- Gulf War Veterans
- Post-9/11 Veterans
* According to the American Cancer Society
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Urinating more frequently
- Increased urinary urgency
- Back pain
- Unexpected weight loss
- Bone pain
* Contact your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms
Screening Recommendations
The United States Preventative Service Task Force (USPSTF) and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs recommend that men 55-69 years old should talk with their doctor about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening.
Screening Methods
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Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test: The most common method. A blood test that measures PSA which can be high in people with prostate cancer.
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Digital rectal examination (DRE): Doctor feels prostate for anything abnormal.
Screening Benefits and Risks
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Benefits: people who decide to get screened could find cancer early before it spreads, which could improve the chances of successful treatment
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Risks: sometimes, the PSA can be falsely elevated, and patients who decide to get screened could end up getting a biopsy that wasn’t necessary
- PSA can be affected by certain medications, enlarged prostate, or a prostate infection
- Potential side effects of a biopsy include pain, bleeding and infection
What if my PSA is high?
- PSA is made by the prostate and high levels ( > 4 ng/mL) may indicate a problem with the prostate
- If your PSA is elevated talk with your doctor for their explanation of the test results
- Your doctor may recommend further testing
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Kino Veterans' Workforce Center
Pima County One-Stop opened the Kino Veterans Workforce Center in 2012 to provide needed support services for Veterans and to help them find jobs, get training, and access benefits.
To learn more visit Kino Veterans' Workforce Center webpage.
Arizona Department of Veteran Services
The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services provides direct services to Veterans, service members and their families through a number of state and federally funded programs and initiatives including:
- Veteran Benefits Counselors to help Veterans connect with their VA benefits
- Four skilled-nursing Veterans homes in Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma to provide long and short-term care
- Three Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemeteries in Bellemont, Marana and Sierra Vista
- Financial Assistance programs with the Veterans’ Donation Fund and Military Family Relief Fund
- Education and Tuition Assistance
To learn more visit the Arizona Department of Veteran Services webpage.
VA Resource Navigator
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.
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