VA Saginaw Healthcare System - VA Connect ~ September 2026

VA Saginaw Healthcare System ~ VA Connect ~ September 2026

MCD

I am excited to have the opportunity to serve our nation's heroes here in Michigan. As an Air Force Veteran and a true Michigander, I am honored to be a part of the VA's legacy in providing excellence in care. 

Your sacrifices in serving our great nation are valued and respected by VA. We express our gratitude for choosing the VA to address your healthcare needs.

Tony Colón 

Medical Center Director


Veteran Access to Care Site

AEL

Serving Veterans in Alpena, Bad Axe, Cadillac, Indian River, Clare, Gaylord, Grayling, Oscoda, Saginaw, and Traverse City, Michigan. VA is improving and expanding access information on the www.AccesstoCare.VA.gov website to better support Veterans as they plan their health care. The website will provide a more comprehensive representation of average wait times for Veteran health care services and an expanded list of specialty care services – such as mental health. 


VA Saginaw Healthcare System Closed on Labor Day - September 7th

Closed Labor Day

The VA Saginaw Healthcare System ambulatory clinics, surgery, outpatient clinics, including Urgent Care, and administration will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, due to the Labor Day Federal Holiday. If you require immediate care, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.


Gaylord Veteran Town Hall & PACT Act Resource Fair - September 9th

Gaylord Town Hall

Join us for the Gaylord Veteran Town Hall, where Veterans and their families can engage directly with VA leadership, ask questions, and learn about local programs and services. We’ll also have resources on‑site to help with benefits, care, and community support as well as Toxic Exposure Screening.


Patriot Day - September 11th

9/11

Today, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and all who continue to serve in the wake of 9/11 — standing united in gratitude, reflection, and respect.

 


PTSD Symposium - September 15th

PTSD Symposium

Attention Women Veterans! Tele-Town Hall on September 16th

Women Town Hall

Join us for the Women Veteran Tele‑Town Hall! Connect with your VA care team, get answers to your questions, and learn about the services and benefits designed to support your health and well‑being. Your voice matters—dial in, be heard, and stay informed.


U.S. Air Force Birthday - September 18th

AF Birthday

 

On September 18th we celebrate the founding of the United States Air Force and honor the Airmen—past and present—who have dedicated themselves to protecting our nation. From advancing airpower and innovation to answering the call wherever they’re needed, Airmen continue to exemplify courage, commitment, and service. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for keeping our skies safe. Aim High! Fly‑Fight‑Win!


VA Connected Care lobby events

Connected CareConnected CareConnected Care

Connected Care will be on-site at the Clare and Gaylord clinics, as well as at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center this September to help Veterans stay informed, connected, and supported in managing their VA health care. Join us to learn about virtual care options, My HealtheVet, the Health & Benefits App, and tools that make accessing care easier than ever. We look forward to connecting with you!


Telehealth Awareness Fair - September 18th

telehealth fair

Mental Health Summit - September 24th

Mental Health Summit

Join us for the 2026 Mental Health Summit—a community event focused on finding peace after trauma. This summit offers a supportive space to connect, learn, and explore pathways toward healing. Attend virtually or in person on September 24, 2026, and be part of an empowering conversation on resilience and recovery.


Telehealth Awareness Week - September 20 -26, 2026

TELEHEALTH

The right tool can make a big difference. One Veteran says downloading a VA app to support his health care changed his life: “If I can do it, any Veteran can.” This Telehealth Awareness Week, discover how VA apps are designed to help you manage your health and stay connected to your care: https://news.va.gov/144738/lasting-lifestyle-changes-through-telemove.


Healthy Living Matters. Prevention Works.

Be Safe

September is "Be Safe: Prevent Self-Harm

It is important to recognize signs of crisis in yourself and others. You can act to help prevent self-harm and suicide.

https://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Be_Safe_Prevent_Self_Harm.asp


VSAFE

VSAFE

September is National Recovery Month

Recovery Month

Veterans from every branch and era of service, with a wide range of life experiences and different types of substance use and mental health challenges, have shared their stories of recovery so other Veterans can benefit. Explore their stories and discover your own path to recovery by visiting VA’s National Recovery Month website today.


How to access your VA health records

access records

Suicide Prevention: September 2026

VCL

A single call, chat, or text can be the first step toward help and hope. 

The #VeteransCrisisLine is available 24/7. 

Dial 988 then Press 1 

Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat 

Text 838255


Veteran resources

EHRM

Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care) Services

VVC

Through VA Health Chat’s Virtual Clinic Visit (Urgent Care) channel, Veterans receive medical advice for injuries or illnesses that need immediate care but aren’t serious enough for an ER visit. Download the appmobile.va.gov/app/va-health-chat 


Veteran Health Orientation

New Patient Orientation

Welcome to VA Saginaw Healthcare System! We are happy you are here! Attend Veteran Health Orientation and learn about the services and programs you earned and deserved! 

For class dates/times or to register please call 989-497-2500 extension 11301, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Classes are offered in person and virtual. 


My HealtheVet Assistance

For My HealtheVet Assistance, please use the following contacts:

Email Daniel.Champagne2@va.gov or call 989-497-2500, extension 11874.

Walk-in hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at 1500 Weiss St., Room 1-1266 (Welcome Center), Saginaw, MI 48602.

Abby.Ehmer@va.gov or call 765-674-3321, extension 75269. 

Shannon.Mcmanus-Bowers@va.gov or call 269-966-5600, extension 31224. The hours are from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. EST. 

You can also reach out to the National My HealtheVet Help Desk online at https://ask.va.gov/


Eligibility Questions?

For Veterans interested in learning about their VA eligibility for enrollment purposes, click here to learn more.


Release of Information

If you have a need for a copy of your medical records, normal processing time will take about 20 workdays. Requests to fill out non-VA forms will also take 20 workdays. If you have an urgent need for your records (for example, you have an appointment within a few days), you will need to assure you are letting staff know you have an urgent need for them before 20 workdays. Thank you!


Patient Advocate Contact Information

Patient Advocates are located in the Welcome Center at the Aleda E. Lutz VA, or you may contact them by phone at 989-497-2500 / 800-406-5143 at extension 13012. They are here to help you with any VA-related issues or concerns!


Useful Veteran Resources

1. Care Integration  

  • VA Authorized Community Care Bills (MISSION Act)
  • Optum from December 2019 – Present, Call 877-881-7618

2. Billing questions  for VA Authorized Community Care Bills (MISSION Act)

  • Community Care Call Center for Emergent Care Claims – 989-497-2500 extension 12716
  • VA Copayment Billing Questions related to VA care – 989-497-2500, Extension 13331
  • Community Care Billing Specialist, 989-497-2500, 12716
  • Community Urgent Care Billing - 877-881-7618

Sent to Esdek@podam.pl on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)