VAPA News Update - September 2026

News, updates and events for VA Palo Alto Health Care System

September 2026

News, updates, and events for VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Don’t Wait. Reach Out.

If you're a Veteran, participate in Buddy Check Week (Sept. 21-25, 2026) by checking in with a fellow Veteran. Visit VA.gov/REACH/for-veterans-helping-veterans to learn more, find tips for reaching out and access resources for yourself and others.

This Suicide Prevention Month, VA and the Ad Council are recognizing Buddy Check Week (Sept. 21-25, 2026) as part of the ongoing national "Don't Wait. Reach Out." campaign. Buddy Check Week encourages Veterans to check in with each other and reminds us that a simple text, phone call or conversation can help strengthen connection and support.

As part of this year's effort, the campaign is also expanding its "You Are a Veteran" PSA series, which reinforces a simple but powerful message: no matter when, where or why you served, every Veteran has earned support.

Visit VA.gov/REACH for resources and support and help spread the word using the campaign toolkit at VA.gov/REACH/spread-the-word.

VA Telehealth

The American Telemedicine Association’s (ATA’s) sixth annual Telehealth Awareness Week, held September 20–26, 2026, will recognize the value of telehealth, how far it has come, and the many ways it improves access to high-quality care. During this week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will remind Veterans that VA is committed to providing the best quality care to them, wherever they are.

Telehealth is an essential resource for Veterans and VA health care professionals. It provides access to care, including specialized services, whenever and wherever care is needed. Because of the commitment and hard work of so many, VA is one of the largest providers of telehealth in the United States.

For more than 20 years, VA has expanded its mission-critical telehealth programs and services to include three major telehealth modalities: Synchronous Telehealth, Asynchronous Telehealth, and Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth.

VA Telehealth Today

The top priority for VA is providing Veterans access to trusted VA health care services. For VA Telehealth Services, this means continuing to expand VA’s reach beyond the traditional office visit to connect with Veterans where they are. Nearly half of Veterans (42.8%) who use VA for care access part of that care through telehealth. In the first half of fiscal year 2026, more than 2.6 million Veterans have participated in over 11 million episodes of VA telehealth care. In addition, Veterans’ trust in (91.1%) and satisfaction with (92.5%) VA telehealth have increased for the sixth consecutive year. Video telehealth visits to the Veteran’s home or mobile device. Over 1 million Veterans received VA care through more than 11 million video visits. TeleMental Health video visits. Over 1 million Veterans received VA TeleMental Health care through more than 5 million video visits. Asynchronous Telehealth. Over 506,000 Veterans received VA care through more than 556,000 episodes of care across 29 clinical specialties. Remote Patient Monitoring – Home Telehealth. Over 122,600 Veterans enrolled to use remote monitoring technologies to manage their chronic conditions by regularly sharing their vital signs and other health information with VA care teams. Remote Patient Monitoring – Other. Over 172,000 Veterans have received more than 428,000 episodes of care. Rural telehealth. Over 1 million Veterans in rural areas participated in more than 3.7 million telehealth episodes of care. Telehealth can be used to enhance almost all VA health care services. VA delivers care through telehealth in over 50 clinical specialties. VA uses synchronous (e.g., video) telehealth, asynchronous (e.g., image exchange) telehealth, and remote patient monitoring to complement and extend traditional in-person care.

Veterans can connect with VA Palo Alto telehealth by contacting VA Health Connect at 833-983-0487, talking directly with their care team to schedule a virtual visit, or using the VA Video Connect app

Be Safe: Prevent Self-Harm

The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (NCP) Healthy Living Monthly Topic for September is Be Safe: Prevent Self-Harm. You can explore a range of resources developed to help Veterans prevent self-harm and suicide. Also, be sure to check out the Veterans Health Library for additional information on the subject.

Increasing time and distance between a Veteran in crisis and their access to lethal means can reduce suicide risk.

The Firearm Lockbox Program provides no-cost firearm lockboxes to qualifying Veterans with elevated suicide risk. Clinicians can visit their SharePoint for more information or contact VHAECHLockbox@va.gov for assistance.

Every Warrior Faces Their Own Monsters

Watch a group of Veterans and Service members confront a metaphorical dragon representing the weight of a suicide crisis, coming together on a shared journey to face their struggles and fight their way forward.

National Recovery Month

How does any Veteran find a path to recovery from addiction or mental health challenges when understanding what is happening, or why, seems out of reach?

During National Recovery Month this September, VA is helping Veterans find answers by sharing the stories of hundreds of other Veterans who’ve made the recovery journey. Speaking directly, in their own words, these Veterans talk openly about the challenges they’ve faced and share the decisions and factors that contributed to their recoveries. They talk about how they asked for help, found the right treatment, overcame obstacles, and changed the course of their lives.

“If you can recognize that broken link, you can fix it,” advises Zack, an Army Veteran. “Just don’t avoid looking for that piece, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.”

“Instead of just trying to survive, I’m thriving now,” says Harold, an Air Force and Army Reserve Veteran who got sober through treatment and sustained his recovery with newfound connections and passions.

Explore more Veteran stories and discover your own path to recovery by visiting VA’s National Recovery Month website today.

We can help you overcome substance use problems from unhealthy alcohol use to life-threatening addiction. We match our services—like counseling, group therapy or medication—to your specific needs.

We offer a variety of outpatient and inpatient services to Veterans to help them in their journey to recovery. Our residential facility provides 24-hour support, therapy, and education to Veterans who may be struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, or unemployment issues.

Programs include:

Rehabilitation
Health maintenance
Community support

Learn more about our VA treatment programs

Visit our office, by appointment only

Virtual visits by appointment only

A referral is required

Appointments

Contact us to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your appointment. If a referral is required, you’ll need to contact your primary care provider first.

Main Phone 650-614-9997, TTY: 711

Schedule an appointment online

Main Phone 650-614-9997

Service Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Upcoming Events

VA Palo Alto Medical Mobile Unit

To find out where you can connect with our Medical Mobile team and about all the upcoming events happening on campus. Check early and often to see upcoming events at VA Palo Alto health care and regional events. Click Here.

And don't forget to join the VA Palo Alto Medical Teams Facebook Group for updated reminders on social media to find out about all their upcoming events.

Santos Family Car Show

For the past four years, VA Palo Alto Health Care System has proudly participated in the Santos Family Car Show, connecting with Veterans in a welcoming, community-based environment. Many attendees aren't currently engaged with VA or may not know the full range of health care services and benefits available to them — by showing up in the community, our team can answer questions, assist with enrollment on the spot, and connect Veterans with resources that support their health and well-being.

The event has become one of VA Palo Alto's most successful outreach efforts, consistently driving increases in health care enrollments while strengthening relationships with Veterans, families, and community partners. Continued participation supports our broader outreach goals of improving access to care and ensuring more Veterans receive the benefits they've earned.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (no cars before 7:00 AM)
Location: Corner of Liberty & North 1st Street, Alviso, San Jose, CA
Admission: Free to attend

Healthcare Simulation Week

Healthcare Simulation Week: See How Practice Supports Better Care

From September 14–18, VA Palo Alto Health Care System will celebrate Healthcare Simulation Week, an annual global campaign highlighting the role of simulation in improving healthcare safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Drop in throughout the week for a self-directed tour of the Simulation Center. Explore the center, see simulation equipment and learning spaces, learn how simulation supports safer healthcare, and take a photo with the manikins.

Drop-in Event Details

Date: Monday, September 14–Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: 3801 Miranda Ave, BLDG 105, Simulation Center, Palo Alto, CA
Admission: Free to attend
Parking: Free on-site parking

Healthcare simulation allows clinical teams to practice procedures, communication, decision-making, and responses to complex situations in a realistic learning environment. Using manikins, simulated clinical spaces, technology, and guided scenarios, healthcare professionals can build confidence, identify system improvements, and prepare to provide safe, high-quality care.

This year’s theme, “Sim Found Me,” celebrates the many paths that lead professionals and learners into the simulation community.

HEALTHCARE SIMULATION WEEK CELEBRATION

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2026
Time: 8 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: 3801 Miranda Ave, BLDG 105, Simulation Center, Palo Alto, CA
Admission: Free to attend
Parking: Free on-site parking

Enjoy:

Refreshments
Games
An interactive escape room

No registration is required for tours.

Breaking the Stigma

Too many Veterans face mental health challenges in silence, unsure where to turn or hesitant to ask for help. Breaking the Stigma is about changing that. This event creates a safe, welcoming space to normalize conversations around mental health — because seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Beyond the conversation, this event connects Veterans directly to the benefits they've earned. Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) will be on-site to help with claims, answer questions, and guide Veterans toward the mental health and medical benefits they're entitled to. Whether you're unsure how to start the process or just need someone to walk you through it, help will be right there.

Breaking the Stigma isn't just about talking — it's about taking action. Come for the conversation, leave connected to the care and support you deserve.

Event Details

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 353 W. Julian Street, 1st Floor – Oak Grove Room, San Jose, CA
Admission: Free to attend
Parking: Free on-site parking

VSOs from Santa Clara County Veteran Services will be on-site to help with claims and benefits — come with questions, leave with answers.

Monterey County Standdown

County of Monterey Military and Veterans Affairs Office (MVAO) will be hosting VA Palo Alto Health Care System and other community partners on Friday, September 25, 2026, for the Monterey County Standdown — a free, one‑day event connecting local Veterans with health care, benefits, and claims assistance.

VA Palo Alto services available:

Enrollment and eligibility support
Referrals to specialty and follow-up care
Help scheduling medical appointments
Toxic exposure screenings

Additional partner services:

Disability and benefits claim filing
Guidance on state and federal benefits
Connections to community resources

Event Details:

Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: 2620 1st Ave, Marina, CA 93933
Admission: Free to attend

Veterans are encouraged to bring a photo ID and, if available, a DD‑214. Family members and caregivers are welcome.

Fremont Elks Lodge Resource Fair

VA Palo Alto Supports Alameda County Veterans Resource Day

Veterans in Alameda County will have a unique chance to access a wide range of VA services in one place on Friday, September 25, 2026, as VA Palo Alto Health Care System partners with VBA, VSO, and DAV for the Alameda County Veterans Resource Day in Fremont.

VA Palo Alto services available:

Enrollment and eligibility support
Referrals to specialty and follow-up care
Help scheduling medical appointments
Toxic exposure screenings

Additional partner services:

Disability and benefits claim filing
Guidance on state and federal b