NewsFlash | Resources
Resources
Vet Centers — An around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service. Call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7 to reach the Vet Center Call Center and talk about your military experience or other concerns during your transition from military to civilian life. The team is comprised of U.S. Veterans from several eras as well as family members of U.S. Veterans.
Veteran Check-In — Veterans and Service members experiencing difficulties in daily life or in distress can reach out to Check-In and trust that an advocate will find a licensed professional who can help. Connecting best-in-class mental health care providers and peer veteran networks. We’ve assembled an incredible team. With proper care, active duty Service members and Veterans can continue to thrive on and off the battlefield. Connecting veterans with the support and services they need to live happier, healthier, more successful lives-and to make sure U.S. veterans are treated like people, not case numbers, every step of the care journey.
Real Warriors — Real Warriors, a program through the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), provides information and resources about psychological health, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury. Call 1-866-966-1020, available 24/7. Chat online 24/7.
Wounded Warrior Project Vice President for Mental Health John Eaton // WKXL (FM-101, Audio) // The National Defense Radio Show (10FEB2024 Portland, OR) — National Defense Radio Show covering Wounded Warrior Project doubling down on its efforts to invest $100 million to combat TBI and Post-Traumatic Stress, and in this interview, Randy welcomes the Vice President for Mental Health for Wounded Warrior Project, John Eaton, to the show to talk about it. This two-week intensive outpatient program uses evidenced-based clinical treatments and complementary wellness and health services to fast-track the journey to better mental and brain health. Studies show that participants completing the program experience a significant improvement in PTSD and depression symptoms. Warriors receive, on average, more than 50 direct PTSD treatment hours, in addition to complementary alternative therapies. The Warrior Care Network is flourishing, and we thank WWP for its continued and unwavering support for those who have suffered the wounds of war, whether visible or not. If you or a loved one are interested in learning more about the WWP Resource Center, call 1-888-997-2586.
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Center for Deployment Psychology — The Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) trains military and civilian behavioral health professionals to provide high-quality, culturally-sensitive, evidence-based behavioral health services to military personnel, Veterans and their families.
Hidden Heroes — Hidden Heroes is a multi-year, multi-faceted campaign that brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face. Hidden Heroes seeks to raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day and inspire individuals, businesses and leaders from civic, faith and government organizations to take action.
Veterans Crisis Line — The Veterans Crisis Line connects U.S. Veterans and Service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Dial 988 and Press 1, 24/7. Chat online. Text to 838255.
Star Behavioral Health — A collaboration between the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University and the Center for Deployment Psychology. SBHP is supported by the National Guard Bureau and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration along with numerous other organizations that provide additional support for state-specific programs. SBHP provides training to licensed mental health providers on military culture, the deployment cycle and treatments that have shown to be effective with military-connected clients. Then we place those trained providers in our online registry, where you can find one near you who matches your needs.
Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) — CVN seeks to improve the quality of life for Veterans, including those from the National Guard and Reserves, active duty, and their families. CVN works to strengthen mental health outcomes and complement existing support. Our vision is to ensure that every Veteran, active duty Service member, and family member is able to obtain access to high-quality care that enables them to lead fulfilling and productive lives. In VISN 20, Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinics are in Alaska and Washington.
- The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Valley Cities - Kent, WA
- The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health - Fairbanks, AK
- The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health - Anchorage, AK
Intrepid Spirit Center — Ground was broken for the Intrepid Spirit Center at Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington on October 29, 2015, and the center was officially dedicated on April 5, 2018. The Madigan Traumatic Brain Injury Program provides comprehensive health care, education and research across the continuum of care, ranging from the impact of trauma exposure to the effects of all grades/types of brain injury, while striving to address the impacts of co-occurring conditions. The $12 million center specializes in treating Service members with traumatic brain injuries and related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain. It is the 6th Intrepid Spirit Center to open nationally, thanks to a partnership between the Army and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
PsychArmor — Access more than 250 military culture educational products for healthcare providers, Veterans, employers, military family members, caregivers, and more.
VA Launchpad for Veterans — The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Launchpad helps Veterans and their Caregivers find and use VA apps. The VA Launchpad organizes VA apps and capabilities to help you more easily find the tools VA has made available for you. Mobile applications (apps) provide self-help, education and support following trauma.
Quit VET — Tobacco quitlines can double your chance of quitting, compared with getting no support at all. Any Veteran receiving health care through VA is eligible to use the Quit VET quitline. Call the quitline to speak with a tobacco cessation counselor. Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838), 9 a.m.–9 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday.
Women Veterans Call Center — The Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) provides VA services and resources to women Veterans, their families, and caregivers. You can also chat online anonymously with a WVCC representative. Call 1-855-VA-Women (1-855-829-6636) Chat online.
Military Health mobile apps — Providing information and support to Service members, Veterans, and their families for a variety of health issues. Download these free apps on either Android or iOS devices.
Make the Connection — Veterans can experience a range of life events, opportunities, and challenges after they leave the military. Connecting Veterans with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives. Make the Connection helps Veterans and their families recognize that they are not alone—there are people out there like them who are going through similar experiences, overcoming challenges, reaching positive outcomes for treatment and recovery, and finding paths to fulfilling lives. No matter what you may be experiencing, there is support for getting your life on a better track. Many, many Veterans have found the strength to reach out and make the connection.
National Center for PTSD — The mission of the National Center for PTSD is to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.
Veterans Stand Down Events Calendar — Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, U.S. Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — DAV is dedicated to a single purpose: keeping our promise to America’s veterans. Ford Motor Company has been a loyal friend to DAV for over 100 years. In 1922 Henry Ford provided 50 Model T Fords to help disabled World War I veterans attend the organization’s second national convention. A great deal has changed since DAV was founded, but this much has remained the same: those who return from war must have men and women waiting for them at home who will stand with them as they work to take back their lives. DAV operates a fleet of vehicles around the country to provide free medical transportation for ill and injured veterans. It’s all part of the DAV Transportation Network, administered by our Hospital Service Coordinators at VA medical facilities around the country DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory of transportation for VISN 20:
ALASKA
DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA DAV — (907) 460-9850
Anchorage VA Medical Center — (907) 257-4948
IDAHO
DEPARTMENT OF IDAHO DAV — (208) 859-4853
Boise VA Medical Center — (208) 422-1177
OREGON
DEPARTMENT OF OREGON DAV — (541) 998-2839
VA Bend CBOC Bend — (541) 383-2793
VA Portland Health Care System — (503) 721-7804
VA Roseburg Healthcare System — (541) 440-1293 Ext. 41293
White City VA Medical Center — (541) 826-2111 Ext. 3619
WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF WASHINGTON DAV — (360) 320-0410
American Lake VA Medical Center — (253) 583-1343 EXT. 71343
Seattle VA Medical Center — (206) 310-7893
Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center — (509) 434-7019
Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center — (509) 525-5200 EXT. 26156
To find out whether there is a van near you use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. Any Service member who was not dishonorably discharged and sustained an injury or illness during their time in the military—whether service connected by the VA or not—or anyone who aggravated a previous injury during his or her time in service, is eligible for DAV membership so long as they served during a period of armed conflict. Navigating the resources available to veterans can be confusing, but DAV believes no veteran should have to go it alone. All services provided by DAV are free of charge.
Sign up for email updates or access your subscriber preferences: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHAVISN20/subscriber/new.
Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care
Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
VA Web Disclaimers
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or Service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
Disclaimer of Hyperlinks: The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Veterans Affairs of the linked websites, or the information, products or Services contained therein. For other than authorized VA activities, the Department does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided with the intent of meeting the mission of the Department and the VA website. Please let us know about existing external links which you believe are inappropriate and about specific additional external links which you believe ought to be included.
Disclaimer of Liability: With respect to documents available from this server, neither the United States Government nor any of its employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.
Reference from this web page or from any of the information Services sponsored by the VA to any non-governmental entity, product, Service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the VA or any of its employees. We are not responsible for the content of any "off-site" web pages referenced from this server.
Disclaimer: The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products or Services on the part of the VA.
Today's VHA - the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA - continues to meet Veterans' changing medical, surgical, and quality-of-life needs. VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in 135 counties in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. VISN 20 also serves Veterans in Del Norte and Siskiyou counties of California and Lincoln County Montana.
Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) provides health care for Veterans from providers in the local community. VCCP includes General Community Care, Urgent Care, Emergency Care, Foreign Medical Care, Home Health and Hospice Care, Indian and Tribal Health Services, In Vitro Fertilization, State Veterans Home, and Flu Shots.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) serves Veterans from a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest with two main divisions: American Lake VA Medical Center and Seattle VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Spokane, Vancouver, and Walla Walla. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Bellingham, Bellevue, Bremerton, Chehalis, Edmunds, Everett, Federal Way, Lacey, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Richland, Renton, Silverdale, Seattle, Spokane, Union Gap, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima.
VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) serves Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington with two main divisions: Portland VA Medical Center and Vancouver VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Roseburg, White City, and Vancouver, Washington. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Astoria, Bend, Boardman, Brookings, Enterprise, Eugene, Fairview, Grants Pass, Hines, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Lincoln City, Newport, Portland, Salem, The Dalles, and West Linn.
VA Regional Offices
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.
Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran
The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:
- Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
- Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
- Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
- Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry).
Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.
Vet Centers in VISN 20
Vet Centers in the VISN 20 Health Care Network are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center.
Anchorage Vet Center (Anchorage, AK) |
Bellingham Vet Center (Bellingham, WA) |
Boise Vet Center (Boise, ID) |
Central Oregon Vet Center (Bend, OR) |
Eugene Vet Center (Eugene, OR) |
Everett Vet Center (Everett, WA) |
Fairbanks Vet Center (Fairbanks, AK) |
Federal Way Vet Center (Federal Way, WA) |
Grants Pass Vet Center (Grants Pass, OR) |
Kenai Vet Center Outstation (Soldotna, AK) |
Lacey Vet Center Outstation (Lacey, WA) |
Portland, OR Vet Center (Portland, OR) |
Salem Vet Center (Salem, OR) |
Seattle Vet Center (Seattle, WA) |
Spokane Vet Center (Spokane, WA) |
Tacoma Vet Center (Tacoma, WA) |
Walla Walla Vet Center (Walla Walla, WA) |
Wasilla Vet Center (Wasilla, AK) |
Yakima Valley Vet Center (Yakima, WA) |
Plan your trip to VA
In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. We are a self-sustaining entity providing merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OIF/OEF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.
VCS operates over 200 Patriot Stores in Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers nationwide. Many of our stores have been recently updated and expanded to provide our customers with a modern, clean and comfortable shopping experience. Our stores welcome our customers with wider aisles, wood-like floors, enhanced lighting and directional signage. PatriotStores have expanded hours of operation to provide service for customers on weekends at most locations.
The Patriot Cafe is the best place in the VA Medical Center to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared breakfast or lunch served hot or cold each weekday. Providing Veterans, their families, VA employees, volunteers and visitors a place to relax and enjoy a meal or take-out for their convenience. With a wide variety of food from traditional comfort food, specialized menu selections and a large assortment of healthy choices; there is something for everyone's taste buds.
Hospital Service Directory
To find out whether there is a van near you use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community.