Don't forget to follow us on social media to be up to date on all our news!

Upcoming Events

July 16 - Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) Meeting in 3W101A from 11-12 PM

July 25 - National Hire a Veteran Day

August 17 - Veterans Day at the Iowa State Fair

August 21 - Women Veteran Wellness Retreat from 9 AM - 3:30 PM

NEWS & UPDATES

Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) Modernization

VA is deploying a new electronic health record (EHR) called the Federal EHR at all VA medical facilities.  It is planned to go live throughout the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) next July. This system contains your health records, including from your time in the military, and tracks all your medical care. The Federal EHR will improve the way that your VA health care facility operates and will lead to better care for you and your fellow Veterans.

What you can do now to prepare

• Make appointments early 
• Use Secure Messaging
• Refill and renew prescriptions early
• Update your contact information

DAV Program Assists Veterans With Transportation Through Special Program

In Iowa City, the Disabled American Veterans organization is working to provide that help through its DAV Transport Network, but the program is facing a shortage of volunteers.

VA Tracks Fewer Veteran Suicides in Latest Data

Nearly 17 Veterans die by suicide every day, but we are seeing a decline in Veteran suicides. ICVAHCS believes this is in part due to suicide prevention training. 

SCAM Alert

There is a new scam targeting Veterans. The latest tactic involves sending fraudulent postcards claiming you (or your spouse) are entitled to “extra VA benefits” or additional payments, including CHAMPVA, TRICARE, and dental coverage, regardless of a VA disability rating.

For 250 years, Americans have stepped forward to serve their country in countless ways. For the past 80 years, VHA employees have carried on the important work of caring for those who served. Those milestones remind us that we're part of something bigger than ourselves. Every day, each of us contributes to a mission that has made a difference in the lives of Veterans for generations.

Local Foods for Your Health Including local foods in your meals can be done throughout the year.  In the upper Midwest, it is easier to include local foods, especially produce, throughout the summer and fall.   Enjoying the wonderful taste of local produce is a big reason to choose more local foods for your plate. In July and August you can find green beans, raspberries, cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, and egg plant and at the local markets.  However, local produce is also filled with  vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  These nutrients are at their peak right after the food is harvested making local foods an excellent, nutrient dense option. Locally grown foods are better for the environment because they decrease the fuel and packaging required during transport. Local farmers also tend to use less chemicals on the produce they sell to their community  which helps minimize our expose to chemicals in the air, water, soil, and in the foods that we eat. Local foods can be purchased through some grocery stores  but it is often easier to purchase at farmers markets or directly from the farmer. The US Department of Agriculture maintains a National Local Food Directory. This directory is an online database that allows you to search for local food near you.  Feel free to check out the VA  Garden to Table Cookbook for recipes using your favorite local foods!