Retiree News

Expanding Access to Care in the Community

At VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS), our mission is to ensure you receive timely, high-quality care—no matter where you live. We are incredibly proud of the dedication shown by our VA providers every day. At the same time, we deeply appreciate and rely on our trusted community care partners, who work alongside us to ensure you have access to the services you need, when and where you need them.

This week, I’m pleased to share an important update. The VA is now extending the length of new community care authorizations to one full year for 30 standardized types of care. This means you can receive services like dermatology, neurology, urology, gastroenterology, and family or couples therapy for up to 12 months—without needing to go through a reauthorization process.

This change is all about reducing red tape so you can focus on your health—not paperwork. It’s another step toward making care more convenient and consistent for you and your family. Read more about it here.

Honoring Purple Heart Day – August 7^th  

The Purple Heart is more than a medal; it’s a symbol of valor and resilience. On this Purple Heart Day we come together to honor and celebrate the brave soldiers who have been wounded or killed in service to our nation. As we recognize their valor, let us remember the profound sacrifices these service members have made. May we, as a community, continue to support and advocate for our wounded warriors and their families in every way possible. On this day, we reflect on their honor and legacy with the deepest respect and appreciation.

Stay Connected with VA Health Chat – Anywhere You Go

Whether you’re traveling, or just prefer convenience, you can still stay connected to your VA care team with the VA Health Chat app. The app lets you:

• Ask questions about non-urgent medical issues (like rashes, fevers, or colds)
• Schedule or manage VA appointments
• Refill prescriptions or ask about medications

It’s easy to use and available wherever you have internet access. Learn more or get started here: VA Health Chat App (https://mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-chat).

We’re here for you—at home, in the community, and wherever life takes you. Thank you for entrusting us to be part of your care.

Thoughts from Chaplain Richie

Considered by many to be the greatest basketball player to ever grace this planet, Michael Jordan has been etched into history as a sports legend. Yet, despite his astounding success, it’s his own candid admission about his failures that resonates with many.

He once famously said: “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

As iconic as his career was, his championships were not without moments of “imperfections”. But far from being an exception, this is more like the rule—many of our greatest heroes traveled a less-than-perfect road to greatness.

Before Albert Einstein became world-renowned for his genius, one of his teachers told him he would never amount to anything. After graduating in 1900, Einstein faced rejection from every academic position he applied for. He took jobs tutoring children and was fired even from these jobs.

And have you ever used a cleaning product called Formula 409? Do you know how it got its name? The name is a tribute to the two Detroit scientists who wanted to create the ultimate formula for a cleaner that could cut through grease, bacteria, and more. The problem was that they didn’t find a satisfactory formula on their first try. Neither on their 2nd or 100th try. The cleaning agent is called Formula 409 because it wasn’t until their 409th batch that they were satisfied with their product.  What’s more impressive? The success of their product, or the willingness to persist despite “failing” 408 times?

History is replete with examples of individuals who left world-changing marks not because they were perfect, but because they refused to stop after failing.

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