VA Portland Health Care System

06/01/2026

Sometimes the signs that someone is having thoughts of su***de aren’t obvious. Changes in behavior, mood, or routines can signal a Veteran needs support.

Learn more: VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.

People cope with stressful situations in different ways. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

05/31/2026

Even if to***co use is part of your daily routine, or you’ve tried quitting before, or you’re worried about withdrawal symptoms, you have the power to reclaim your life.

Need guidance on how to stay away from to***co? Talk to trained quit coaches who will help you during any phase of quitting.

Call the VA to***co quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET or visit Mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/quit-to***co/quit-vet.asp

05/31/2026

This May, VA honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing the commitment and courage of generations of Veterans and service members. From battles of the past to missions of today, their dedication to service inspires us all.

Learn more about Asian-American Pacific Islander Month observances by visiting

Paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.

05/30/2026

As part of our Freedom 250 observance, where we mark the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we walk through the timeline of notable events which shaped our nation, and milestones which honor our Veterans.

Today we take a look at the GI Bill.

The G.I. Bill expanded benefits for Veterans even further to include education, home and business loans, and unemployment compensation.

Upon its passage in 1944, not all Veterans benefitted equally. Racial and gender disparities made it difficult for all Veterans to access and use the benefits they earned. While VA cannot tell this story without including this truth, today, equity and access have become part of VA’s top priorities. VA remains committed to supporting America’s Veterans of every generation as they strive to realize their own American Dreams.

Learn more at https://news.va.gov/132445/celebrate-80-years-of-the-g-i-bill

05/29/2026

Today, at the VA Portland Health Cate System's Portland campus, the Portland Rose Festival Princess Court will be visiting Veterans and patients from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in building 103 (Research patio).

VA Portland Health Care System has partnered with the Portland Rose Festival for many years. Also on June 3-4, VA Portland will host members of the US Navy, US Navy Band and United States Coast Guard as part of the Fleet Week festivities planned in downtown Portland. Stay tuned for more details on those upcoming visits, and hope to see you there!

05/29/2026

WWII Veteran Glenn Stam celebrated his 100th birthday this week at the VA Portland Health Care System's Community Living Center (CLC) in Vancouver, WA. VA staff, CLC patients and Glenn's family were on hand to help celebrate the milestone. The celebration included a dove release in the CLC courtyard

05/29/2026

VA’s Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) provides you with a mental health team that works together to help you get the care you need to reach your treatment goals.

Learn more about BHIP: MentalHealth.va.gov/BHIP

05/28/2026

Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is May!

This community includes individuals identifying as Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Asian Indian, Korean, Southeast Asian, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Guamanian, and other Asian and Pacific Islanders.

This month, VA Portland Health Care System wishes to thank our fellow AAPI employees and Veterans for their service to our community.

24 million people in the USA identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, and are one of the fastest growing communities in our country. Approximately 1% of Veterans identify as AAPI and most are centered on the West Coast and have long enriched Portland and other Pacific Northwest cities from Seattle to San Diego and Honolulu.

05/27/2026

Is a Veteran in your life hesitant about reaching out for support?

Sometimes, hearing from someone who has been there makes all the difference.

Hear from Veterans about what encouraged them to seek mental health care. https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM/

05/26/2026

This May, VA honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing the commitment and courage of generations of Veterans and service members. From battles of the past to missions of today, their dedication to service inspires us all.

Read more about the invaluable contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our military over the years by visiting https://vaww.insider.va.gov/honoring-asian-american-and-pacific-islander-veterans/

Also learn more about Asian-American Pacific Islander Month observances by visiting https://asianpacificheritage.gov/