Durham VA Community Connection- September 2026
Durham VA logo
Durham VA Logo

 

Durham VA Community Connection

September 2026


Flu Season!

flu shot

Protect yourself this flu season!


Flu shots are available September 14 through October 30, 2026, Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Durham, Garner, Greenville, and all Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.

No appointment needed — just stop by and get your flu shot!


Mental Health Summit

Mental Health

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

Join the 2026 VA Community Mental Health Summit – North Carolina & Virginia: Person‑Driven Recovery, Whole Health, and Suicide Prevention and show your support for Veteran mental health. This free virtual event highlights Whole Health, suicide prevention resources, and recovery-focused support for Veterans and their families.

Event Details
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Virtual (MS Teams link sent after registration)
Registration Deadline: September 15 at 4:00 p.m. ET
Cost: Free
CE Credits Available: AAPA, ACCME, ANCC, AOTA, APA, ASWB, JA IPCE, NBCC, NYSED-P, NYSED-SW

Register using the link.


Suicide Prevention Month

suicide

This September, VA is strengthening the impact of the Don’t Wait. Reach Out. campaign—reminding Veterans that support is always within reach and encouraging meaningful connection with fellow Veterans.

As part of Suicide Prevention Month, VA will also recognize Buddy Check Week, taking place September 21–25, 2026. This legislatively mandated observance reinforces the power of peer support and highlights simple, actionable ways Veterans can check in on one another.

Whether it’s a quick message, a phone call, or sharing available resources, these small acts of connection can make a significant difference.

Learn more and share at VA.gov/REACH 

suicide

National Falls Prevention Awareness Day Event

falls Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of non‑fatal injuries, injury‑related deaths, hip fractures, and traumatic brain injuries in this population. Veterans face these same risks, but the encouraging news is that many falls can be prevented.

To support fall prevention and promote safety, the Durham VA Health Care System will host a multidisciplinary screening and education event on September 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Veterans will have the opportunity to learn strategies to reduce risk, stay safe, and maintain independence.


Breast Cancer & Intimate Partner Violence Awareness

breast  cancer

Join us on October 8th, 2026 for a day of awareness, education, and empowerment at the Durham VA Health Care System!

We’re bringing together experts, community partners, and VA teams to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness and Intimate Partner Violence Awareness.

Stop by the Main Campus Breezeway from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. for resources, conversations, and refreshments.

Save the date and share with your fellow Veterans!


Take Charge of Your Health with Whole Health

whole health

At Durham VA Whole Health, we empower Veterans with tools and services that support wellness, purpose, and personal growth.

From mindfulness and yoga to acupuncture, health coaching, and Taking Charge of My Life and Health groups — your journey to a healthier, more meaningful life begins here.

Start with Introduction to Whole Health and explore what matters most to you.

Call 919-748-8237 or talk with your provider to get connected.


Gerofit

Gerofir

Gerofit offers free virtual exercise classes designed to help Veterans 65 and older improve strength, balance, and overall well‑being from home.

Ask your VA provider for a referral to join and start experiencing the benefits.

Visit https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/gerofitexercise or scan the QR code on the flyer for more information.


No Smoking on Durham VA Grounds

no smoking

As of October 1, 2019, the Durham VA Health Care System grounds and all our clinics are smoke-free to patients, visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and employees. This includes not only cigarettes, but cigars, pipes, any other combustion of tobacco, and e-cigarettes, vape pens, and e-cigars.

If you wish to smoke, you must do so off Durham VA property. 

Giving up smoking isn't easy, but it can be done! 

Click for VA smoking cessation resources


Know the Signs: Supporting Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention!

Suicide prevention

Emotional and mental health distress can happen to anyone, often triggered by changes like relationship difficulties or job loss. Sometimes, distress leads people to think about self-harm or suicide. Veterans face a higher risk of suicide than civilians, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and know what to do.

Warning signs of a mental health crisis or suicide risk can include:

  • Hopelessness or feeling no way out

  • Talking about death or suicide

  • Withdrawing from loved ones

  • Risky or self-destructive behaviors

If someone is thinking about suicide—or showing immediate risk:

For more support and resources, visit:

Help is always here, please reach out.


Welcome to VA Telehealth Services

telehealth

Celebrate Telehealth Awareness Week September 20–26, 2026! You are invited to join us in celebrating this week.

VA Telehealth: Know your options. Own your experience. telehealth.va.gov

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is leading the way in telehealth innovation to make sure Veterans can access care when and where they need it. VA Telehealth Services is transforming how Veterans access high-quality VA care. From your home, the clinic, or the hospital, VA telehealth technologies make it easier for you to connect with your VA care tea

It’s one of the easiest ways to get fast, convenient access to VA care from anywhere.


Important: Scam Alert - VA Does Not Ask Veterans

scam

Encourage Veterans to promptly report any suspicious letters, phone calls, or messages they receive. Reporting helps protect their personal information and allows VA to take action against potential fraud. Veterans can report concerns through any of the following official channels:

• Office of Integrity and Compliance Helpline: 866‑842‑4357 or VHAOICHelpline@va.gov
• VSAFE Fraud Hotline: 833‑388‑VSAFE or https://vsafe.gov/
• VA OIG Hotline: 1‑800‑488‑8244


Let's Stay Connected!

For updates and FAQs, visit the Durham VA Health Care System website. 

Visit our Website: VA Durham Health Care

Like us on Facebook: Durham VA Health Care System