VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

Director's Message

Aloha, Talofa, Hafa Adai Veterans,

The Joint Commission now recommends wearing a mask at all HealthCare facilities.  Wearing a mask in public is also the latest guidance from government officials. In support of Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s recommendation that all residents wear a cloth mask when leaving home, we request anyone entering our facilities arrives with a facial mask on. This guidance comes as we learn more about how the coronavirus can be carried through people who appear asymptomatic. By arriving to our facilities with a mask on, you are helping prevent unnecessary and unknown exposures to yourself and our staff.

Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, and out of concern for our Veterans, we continue to honor physical distancing guidelines.  Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage technology to make sure that you and our staff are as safe as possible during this time.  Virtual and telephonic healthcare is always an option to support your healthcare needs.  Please call us to see how we can assist you at 1 (800) 214-1306 or see some of our resources below. 

Did you know May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Now more than ever, VA Pacific Islands Health Care System (VAPIHCS) is committed to providing high-quality mental health care while keeping Veterans safe from exposure to the coronavirus. This May, VA is observing Mental Health Month by emphasizing that “Now Is the Time.” Even during the coronavirus outbreak, Veterans can still prioritize their mental health. Veterans and their families can visit www.MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to learn more about mental health resources and hear stories of recovery from other Veterans. 

 VA offers Veterans a variety of at-home resources, including the following: 

Telephone or Video Appointments – Veterans should maintain their existing healthcare appointments — and may receive care at home — using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov.  You can learn more about VA Video Connect at mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect or by calling 1 (800) 214-1306. 

Prescription Refills and Safety – Veterans should continue taking all medications as prescribed and talk to their health provider if they have any concerns. Veterans may request prescription refills and order shipments of medications to their homes using My HealtheVet or the Rx Refill mobile app, which can be downloaded at mobile.va.gov/app/rx-refill. VA’s Safe Home Environment handout provides information on safely storing medications in the home. We also have Drive-thru Pharmacy service at the VA Spark Matsunaga Ambulatory Care Clinic Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Text Message Reminders – Veterans can use Annie’s Coronavirus Precautions protocol to receive automated text messages with information about COVID-19. This application helps Veterans monitor their symptoms and enables Veterans to contact their VA facility for care. Veterans may enroll in the app at mobile.va.gov/annie.

Mental Health Information and Resources – VA provides information on ways for Veterans and their families to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak. Information about managing stress and anxiety, as well as mental health resources, are available at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus/resources.

For more information on ways for Veterans to maintain and enhance their mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/coronavirus. 

Mahalo for your service!  We are here for you!

Kathryn Ryder, MD, MS

Acting Medical Center Director