 
 Happy National PA Week!
This week, we celebrate the Physician Assistants who show up every day with skill, compassion, and dedication to patient care. From diagnosing and treating patients to educating families and collaborating across care teams, PAs are essential to healthcare everywhere.
Thank you to all the PAs who go above and beyond — your hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
 This Hispanic Heritage Month, VA honors the generations of Hispanic Veterans and service members whose courage, commitment and sacrifice have strengthened our nation. From battles of the past to missions of today, their legacy of service inspires us all.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Women aged 40 to 74 years are encouraged to get a mammogram every two years. Learn about breast cancer risk assessments available to you at VA.
October 5–9, 2026, VHA celebrates National Vocational Rehabilitation Recognition Week, recognizing the important role meaningful work plays in Veterans’ health, independence, purpose, and connection to their communities.
VHA Rehabilitation Counselors and Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists provide individualized services—including Transitional Work, Supported Employment, Community-Based Employment Services, and Vocational Assistance—to help Veterans overcome employment barriers and pursue work aligned with their strengths, interests, and goals.
These services support VHA’s commitment to whole-person, Veteran-centered care by promoting self-sufficiency, family well-being, community participation, and an improved quality of life.
From October 5–9, 2026, VA Long Beach Vocational Rehabilitation Service will host an informational table in the lobby of Building 600. During the lunch hour, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists and Counselors will also be available in the Canteen to share information about Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Please stop by to learn more about the services available to Veterans. We look forward to seeing you!
A phased lane closure along Medal of Honor Boulevard is scheduled to start on Monday, October 19, 2026, and is expected to continue through Friday, November 27, 2026. The closure will occur in multiple phases, each lasting approximately two to three weeks. Each morning at 8:30 a.m., the affected lane will be closed, and it will be reopened to traffic at 3:30 p.m. at the end of each workday. All vehicle and pedestrian traffic must adhere to posted signage and follow directions provided by flaggers stationed at each end of the lane closure. The contractor will be installing electrical conduit beneath the roadway to support ongoing construction activities.
Vehicles traveling along Medal of Honor Boulevard and its intersecting roads should follow instructions from flaggers before proceeding through the affected areas.
Pedestrians are advised to follow detour signs and utilize designated alternative crosswalks to cross North or South across Medal of Honor Boulevard in the affected zones.
 The 2026-2027 COVID-19 vaccine is available for enrolled Veterans at VA Long Beach Healthcare System!
Veterans can also get a COVID-19 vaccine by asking at their next appointment in Long Beach or any of our VA clinics. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment only and require making a shared decision with your provider. This process is under review. Please stay tuned for updates.
COVID-19 vaccines are also available to eligible Veterans in the community (please scan QR code for details).
Community Care Pharmacy Billing Card
 
The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to present the “2026 VA Federal Benefits Guide for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers.”
Don’t know what VA benefits and care are available? Not sure which you’re eligible for? The annual Federal Benefits Guide provides information on benefits and services currently available by law and regulation.
The updated handbook contains a comprehensive listing of VA programs, including phone numbers and websites for easy reference. The Federal Benefits Guide hosts a wealth of information on most VA benefits and services, including:
- Compensation
- Life insurance
- Pension and fiduciary services
- Education benefits
- Economic development and employment
- Home loan guaranty programs and housing assistance
- Mental health resources
Read more
The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new pilot program at six VA facilities to help Veterans establish VA.gov accounts faster than ever before, which means speedier access to VA services, care and benefits.
VA has worked with technology and security company CLEAR to deploy CLEAR pods at six VA hospitals across the country. Veterans who want to create a new account on VA.gov can use these pods to sign up in a matter of minutes with the assistance of VA staff.
Starting today, this faster option for setting up a VA.gov account is available at VA medical centers in Atlanta; Brooklyn, New York; Orlando, Florida; Palo Alto, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C. VA will consider expanding this system to other facilities pending the results of this pilot program.
Read more
 
 Join the Major Robert Charles Soltes, Jr., O.D. Blind Rehabilitation Center as we honor the contributions of our Veterans with vision loss and highlight the importance of the white cane.
Bldg. 165 (The Egg & Stars and Stripes Plaza)
VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Schedule of Events:
10:30 – 11:00 a.m.— Coffee Social
11:15 – 12:15 p.m. — Ceremony
12:15 – 12:30 p.m. — Campus March
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. — Luncheon
 
 When: October 23 | 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Where: 1530 W. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA, in the Central Mall
Veterans, family members, and allies are welcomed to the Santa Ana College Campus to access a wealth of Veteran and military-connected resources. Lunch provided while supplies last.
For information, call 714-564-6050 or email Veterans@sac.edu
 
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.
Download the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook online or pick up a printed copy at your local medical center, regional office or Vet Center for free.
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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