Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

01/26/2023

When you re-entered civilian life, did you lose your sense of purpose?

The Houston VA Whole Health program can help Veterans rediscover what is important to them. It’s also a critical element of su***de prevention.

“Whole health always starts with the question about what matters most to you,” said Dr. Shannon Sisco, Houston VA Whole Health Director. “Having a sense of purpose and meaning is one of the biggest protectors against su***de.”

https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/stories/what-is-your-sense-of-purpose-and-meaning-it-may-save-your-life/

01/25/2023

Veterans: If you have a Premium account, you’re able to use Secure Messaging to talk with your health care team online about non-urgent concerns.

Learn how to use Secure Messaging: http://myhealth.va.gov/ss20171025-secure-messaging-what-is-the-difference-between-non-urgent-and-urgent

01/24/2023

It's time to quit smoking for a healthier you!

01/24/2023

Army Veterans Christopher Williams and Daniel Kay were strangers until advanced heart failure and life-changing surgery at the Houston VA saved their lives and brought them together. https://bddy.me/3R21Lfa

01/23/2023

Challenge, adventure awaits Veterans at 2023 VA Summer Sports Clinic - VA News

Challenge, adventure awaits Veterans at 2023 VA Summer Sports Clinic - VA News

Registration is now open for VA’s 2023 National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC) from June 4 to 9 in San Diego.

01/20/2023

Houston VA will hold a free couple's retreat on Feb. 18 for Veterans and their partners. You can also participate in a paid research project: https://bddy.me/3QWi4dw.

01/19/2023

Veterans: If you go to a non-VA emergency department for urgent medical care, VA may still offer coverage.

See how you can get covered for an emergency visit and how to prepare for the unexpected: https://bddy.me/3ksmDQG

01/18/2023

VA has launched a new web page showing registrations for the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry. It contains breakouts for all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five other jurisdictions. The data will be updated biannually.
https://news.va.gov/114459/va-publishes-new-airborne-hazards-burn-pit-data/

01/17/2023

The Houston VA is honored to be one of seven healthcare organizations nationally to be named a 2022 NDNQI Award for Outstanding Nursing Quality® winner by
Press Ganey Associates LLC. https://bddy.me/3GqTBrP

01/16/2023

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the National Day of Service.

Dr. King was a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who organized nonviolent protests to end racial segregation and spoke over 2,500 times — including his famous “I Have A Dream” speech during the march on Washington, D.C. in 1963. We honor his legacy.

01/13/2023

Houston VA held a symbolic "March on Washington" walk today. All employees, Veterans and visitors were invited to walk around the campus and gathered near the gazebo out by the pond for a short program and refreshments. On Monday, January 16th, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the federal holiday, our outpatient clinics will be closed. For all emergencies, ED will still be open on our main campus.

01/13/2023

You can submit a claim for your PACT Act-related benefits now

If you served in the Vietnam, Gulf War, or Post-9/11 eras, you may be eligible for expanded VA benefits. A new law, known as The PACT Act, provides disability compensation, health care, free toxic exposure screens, and more, to Veterans who are exposed to toxins during their military service. You can submit a claim for your PACT Act-related benefits now. Claims received by August 10, 2023 may be paid back to August 10, 2022. Visit va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MY-VA-411 to learn more and file your claim.

01/12/2023

If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for -related benefits. Learn more at www.va.gov/pact or call 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411).

01/11/2023

Navy Veteran Luz Cervantes was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43.

"It was actually four tumors,” she said. “And the crazy thing is that I never felt any of them.”

After a year of treatment at Houston VA, she has declared victory. Read more: https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/stories/starting-the-new-year-cancer-free/.

01/10/2023

Navy Veteran wins Battle with Cancer

Navy Veteran Luz Cervantes was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43. After a year of treatment, she has declared victory.

01/09/2023

We're hiring Licensed Vocational Nurses at our Conroe, Galveston, Humble, Katy, Lufkin, Richmond, Sugar Land, Texas City and Tomball clinics. Serve those who have served our country!

More details here: https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/events/52360/.

01/06/2023

When a Veteran has an urgent medical question, the Houston VA Clinical Contact Center is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Call 713-794-8985 to speak with a registered nurse who will triage your symptoms and provide health advice. https://bddy.me/3XbfPVD

01/05/2023

Boys Scouts donate Picnic Tables for Tomball VA Clinic

Matthew Welsh and his fellow Boy Scouts from Troop 202 made three new picnic tables for our Tomball VA Clinic. Thank you Matthew!

01/04/2023

Millions Like Us: Women Veterans share their stories, offer hope.

Veterans Zaneta Adams and Heidi Zellar share their heartfelt stories in a new documentary about the lived experiences of women Veterans. Together, they work through their trauma and find hope in an unexpected place: VA’s Million Veteran Program. See the full film here: https://youtu.be/o5aVmJBntDQ

01/03/2023

Where in the world have you been? 📌 📌

Share your deployment story with your VA health care provider including when you served, where you’ve been, and the tasks you performed. They can conduct any necessary screenings for deployment related health concerns and help create a treatment plan for your unique circumstances. Learn more about women’s health services available at VA: https://bddy.me/3CjyF4J

01/02/2023

If you aren’t currently enrolled in VA health care, check to see if the 1-year open enrollment window under the PACT Act applies to you. Learn more at https://bddy.me/3XgSuSD.

01/01/2023

Happy new year! We hope 2023 brings peace, joy and love to all.

12/30/2022

Holiday stress often revolves around relationships, finances, and physical demands—shopping, social gatherings, preparing meals, etc. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, Veterans Crisis Line responders are available 24/7.

VeteransCrisisLine.net

12/29/2022

Veterans enrolled in VA health care receive the same standard of care while traveling as they would at home. It’s as simple as coordinating with your VA health care team to ensure you have a plan before you leave.
https://news.va.gov/113460/traveling-va-with-you-every-mile/

12/28/2022

Father and son graduate from University of Houston this weekend

Congratulations to Veterans Ross Cook (father) and Levi Cook (son), for graduating from the University of Houston with their bachelor's degrees!

a father and son duo walk the graduation stage this weekend.

12/28/2022

The new year is a great time to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation, like improving your physical and mental health, VA has resources to help you achieve your goals and stop using to***co for good. Learn more: mentalhealth.va.gov/quit-to***co/how-to-quit.asp

12/27/2022

The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center will host blood drives on Dec. 29-30.

Register here for Dec. 29: https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/339616

Register here for Dec. 30: https://www.commitforlife.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/364682

12/23/2022

John

Please Share: The Former Prisoners of War Advisory Committee Meeting was held in November 2022 at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. We were honored to sit with four gentlemen who were in attendance as subject matter experts.

Every Friday in December of 2022, we will be sharing four separate true stories, told by the people that lived them. Former Prisoners of War, captured, tortured and after nearly 6 years, released from North Vietnam's "Hanoi Hilton".

WARNING: some details of these stories can be graphic in nature.

Week 1 - "Joe" releases December 2, 2022
Week 2 - "Tony" releases December 9, 2022
Week 3 - "James" releases December 16, 2022
Week 4 - "John" releases December 23, 2022

12/23/2022

United Rentals sent a special Santa visitor to the Houston VA Fisher Houses this week. Santa stopped by to take pictures and give our Fisher House guests holiday gifts. We keep warm in our hearts when we think about how there are some families who are away from home during this festive season, because they are at the Houston VA, looking after their Veteran family member. We are proud to serve our Veterans and their amazing families here at the Houston VA Fisher House.

12/22/2022

Here's where you can go to keep warm when arctic blast hits Houston this week

Cold Weather is Coming!
A hard freeze is forecast to hit Houston and the surrounding areas tonight, bringing extremely low temperatures and wind chills for the next couple of days. At this time, the weather is not predicted to impact road conditions or our Houston VA operations. For more information on the weather and locations of warming centers, go to:

With the arctic blast expected to bring windy weather and a quick drop in temperatures, here are some warming centers you can stay in through the extreme conditions.

12/22/2022

Nutrition and Food Service has been distributing hundreds of holiday cards to Veteran inpatients during meal services. A number of local schools, businesses, and veteran service organizations donated these cards for our Veterans. A big thank you to our community and staff for going the extra mile spreading holiday cheer to Houston area Veterans receiving their care here at Micheal E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.

12/21/2022

12/21/2022

For many Veterans, medical debt can be overwhelming—and can contribute to financial instability that leads to homelessness.
Luckily, it is now easier than ever for Veterans to apply for and receive medical debt relief. If you are concerned about your medical copayment debt and want to seek relief, you can now apply online: https://bddy.me/3WCicka

12/20/2022

Prisoner No More - True Stories from Former POWs

Please Share: The Former Prisoners of War Advisory Committee Meeting was held in November 2022 at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. We were honored to sit with four gentlemen who were in attendance as subject matter experts.

Every Friday in December of 2022, we will be sharing four separate true stories, told by the people that lived them. Former Prisoners of War, captured, tortured and after nearly 6 years, released from North Vietnam's "Hanoi Hilton".

WARNING: some details of these stories can be graphic in nature.

Week 1 - "Joe" releases December 2, 2022
Week 2 - "Tony" releases December 9, 2022
Week 3 - "James" releases December 16, 2022
Week 4 - "John" releases December 23, 2022

12/20/2022

Happy 3rd Birthday to the United States Space Force! Thank you to all those who serve!

12/19/2022

This past weekend, Houston VA Veteran inpatients received a special visit from The American Legion Riders. The Riders arrived on motorcycles and brought two trucks of holiday cheer and donations with them. Special thanks to Bob Holt and American Legion Riders Post 89 for their generous donation and for spending time visiting with our Veterans.

12/19/2022

How do you know if your holiday stress is just that or something more? Learn the warning signs of generalized anxiety.

- Feeling restless, jumpy, or on edge
- Trembling or twitching
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling dizzy, nauseous, or lightheaded
- Having trouble catching your breath

Screening for anxiety and a wide range of treatments are available at VA. Learn more: https://bddy.me/3uYGzfU

12/16/2022

James

Please Share: The Former Prisoners of War Advisory Committee Meeting was held in November 2022 at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. We were honored to sit with four gentlemen who were in attendance as subject matter experts.

Every Friday in December, we will be sharing four separate true stories, told by the people that lived them. Former Prisoners of War, captured, tortured and after nearly 6 years, released from North Vietnam's "Hanoi Hilton".

WARNING: some details of these stories can be graphic in nature.

Week 3 - "James"

12/15/2022

Please Share: The Former Prisoners of War Advisory Committee Meeting was held in November 2022 at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. We were honored to sit with four gentlemen who were in attendance as subject matter experts.

Every Friday in December of 2022, we will be sharing four separate true stories, told by the people that lived them. Former Prisoners of War, captured, tortured and after nearly 6 years, released from North Vietnam's "Hanoi Hilton".

WARNING: some details of these stories can be graphic in nature.

Week 1 - "Joe" releases December 2, 2022
Week 2 - "Tony" releases December 9, 2022
Week 3 - "James" releases December 16, 2022
Week 4 - "John" releases December 23, 2022

12/15/2022

Houston VA educates Veteran about PACT Act

Marvin, who served in the Marines and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, attended the Houston VA PACT Act Resource Fair on Dec. 14 to receive a toxic exposure screening.

More than 600 Veterans attended the event and had the opportunity to receive screenings along with assistance with VA enrollment, benefits and claims, and much more.

The PACT Act is a new law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. The resource fair the first of many Houston VA will hold to help Veterans apply for PACT Act benefits and health care.

To learn more about the PACT Act, visit VA.gov/PACT or call us at 1-800-MYVA411.