October 29 is World Stroke Day, a reminder that stroke is a medical emergency and that every minute counts. Learn the signs with BE FAST: Balance loss Eye changes Face drooping Arm weakness Speech difficulty Time to call 911 Our facility is a primary stroke center with 24/7 stroke coverage, so Veterans can get emergency stroke care around the clock. Recovery and prevention continue after the emergency. Our Stroke Clinic manages diagnostic work-up and treatment recommendations for secondary stroke prevention to help lower the risk of another stroke. Our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) team leads post-stroke rehabilitation to help Veterans regain strength, mobility, and independence. For Veterans living with post-stroke spasticity, Botox therapy is available through the Movement Disorders clinic in our Neurology section. Talk with your primary care provider about stroke risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and tobacco use. Know the signs, act fast, and don't wait to get help.

Join us at our new spot in Patriot Park for the Veterans Social Connection (VSC)! It’s a laid-back monthly get-together where Veterans can unwind, meet new friends, and find helpful resources all in a friendly, welcoming place. We meet on the last Friday of each month (except holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. We’d love to see you there on October 30!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a good time to focus on preventive care. If you're a Veteran enrolled in VA health care, or the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran enrolled in CHAMPVA, you may be eligible for the VA Dental Insurance Program (VADIP). VADIP offers discounted private dental insurance that covers many common services, including preventive care, diagnostic services, root canals and other restorative care, dental surgery, and emergency dental care. Coverage is available across the U.S. and its territories. Enrolling won't affect your ability to get free VA dental care. Compare Delta Dental and MetLife plans and find out if you're eligible at va.gov/health-care/about-va-…

National Chiropractic Health Month This October, we're celebrating the incredible chiropractic care available to our Veterans! We're proud to have seven amazing chiropractors (four of which are also Veterans) serving our community at multiple locations: 📍 Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center 📍 Laguna Hills VA Clinic 📍 Santa Ana VA Clinic 📍 Santa Fe Springs VA Clinic 📍 Placentia VA Clinic 📍 Temporary Carson VA Clinic — coming soon! Chiropractic care can help Veterans manage pain, improve mobility, and support overall wellness — all without relying solely on medication. Whether it's back pain, joint issues, or general musculoskeletal health, our chiropractic team is here to help you move and feel better. With five locations across the region — and a sixth coming soon in Carson — Veterans have more convenient access than ever to in-network chiropractic care close to home. Thank you to our chiropractors for the outstanding care you provide every day! 💙

Domestic violence awareness is about prevention, safety, education, and connecting individuals and families with support.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month! This October, we celebrate the dedicated Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) who make a difference in the lives of our Veterans every day! At VA Long Beach Healthcare System, our Physical Therapy team is committed to helping Veterans restore movement, build strength, improve mobility, and regain independence. From injury recovery and rehabilitation to managing complex conditions, our PT professionals play an essential role in helping Veterans achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Our VA Long Beach PT Team by the Numbers: 32 Physical Therapists 7 Physical Therapist Assistants 5 Board-Certified Clinical Specialists (2 Orthopedic, 2 Neurologic, and 1 Geriatric) 1 Neurologic Physical Therapy Resident Thank you to our incredible PTs and PTAs for your expertise, compassion, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to those who have served our country. Your commitment to helping Veterans move better, feel stronger, and live more independently does not go unnoticed! Join us in celebrating our amazing Physical Therapy team!

VA Long Beach is getting an infrastructure boost! In the fourth quarter of FY 2026, our facility received non-recurring maintenance funding that will ultimately contribute to improving care for Southern California Veterans. Funded projects include: ✅ Modernized imaging equipment ✅ Demolition of outdated Building 5 sections + admin space repairs ✅ Earthquake-ready electrical switchgear upgrades ✅ Central chiller plant upgrade to support 3 new buildings ✅ Facility repairs (ceilings, floors) ✅ Building 126 elevator upgrades ✅ Site prep for new sterilization equipment ✅ Upgraded entrance signage & landscaping "This funding allows VA Long Beach to continue modernizing and improving, so our facility remains safe, efficient, and equipped to provide high-quality care for our Veterans in Southern California," said Interim Medical Center Director Jean J. Gurga. This is part of a record $4.8 billion nationwide VA investment in FY 2026 to modernize and repair health care facilities. Every dollar went to work — fully obligated — supporting infrastructure, building upgrades, and future electronic health record readiness across the VA system. Our Veterans deserve safe, modern, high-quality facilities. We're proud to keep delivering. #VeteransHealthcare #VALongBeach #SupportOurVeterans

💊 Know Before You Toss: MedSafe Boxes at VA Long Beach Do you have unused or expired medications at home? The MedSafe boxes located in the lobbies of Buildings 126 and 164 at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of eligible medications. 🎥 Watch our video to learn: ✔️ What can be placed in the MedSafe boxes ✔️ What items should NOT be deposited Help keep medications out of the wrong hands and protect our Veterans, families, and community. 📍 MedSafe locations: • Building 126 lobby • Building 164 lobby Join us on October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in lobbies of buildings 126 and 164.

Ultrasound Services Now Available Closer to Home! We are pleased to announce that ultrasound services are now available at the Laguna Hills VA Clinic. Additionally, starting November 12, ultrasound services will be offered at the Placentia VA Clinic.

Join the Major Robert Charles Soltes, Jr., O.D. Blind Rehabilitation Center as we honor the contributions of our Veterans with vision loss and highlight the importance of the white cane. Bldg. 165 (The Egg & Stars and Stripes Plaza) VA Long Beach Healthcare System Schedule of Events: 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.— Coffee Social 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. — Ceremony 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. — Campus March 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. — Luncheon

⚓ Happy 251st Birthday, U.S. Navy! ⚓ On October 13, 1775, the Continental Congress authorized the purchase of armed vessels, marking the founding of the force that would become the United States Navy. For 251 years, Sailors have stood the watch — defending freedom, projecting American strength across the globe, and answering the call wherever duty leads. From the age of sail to nuclear-powered carriers, the mission remains the same: Non sibi sed patriae — not for self, but for country. To all who have worn the uniform and all who serve today: thank you for your service and sacrifice. Fair winds and following seas. Happy Birthday, Navy!

On Monday, October 12, 2026, VA Long Beach will be open with limited operations. Veterans with appointments or procedures will be seen as scheduled and Veteran Transportation Services will operate as planned. Our Emergency Department and inpatient services will remain full operational, as these run 24/7, 365 days a year.

VHA is celebrating National Vocational Rehabilitation Recognition Week from October 5–9, 2026, highlighting how meaningful employment supports Veterans’ health, independence, and overall well‑being through individualized vocational services.

Thank You for Making Our Annual Breast Cancer Risk Reduction & Screening Event a Success! VA Long Beach Women’s Health and the Cancer Program were proud to bring Veterans together for a day focused on education, prevention, wellness and self-care. Held October 1 at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, the event featured: 🎁 Gifts for Veterans 🍽️ Lunch & refreshments 🩺 Breast cancer risk reduction & screening education 🤲 Healing Touch sessions 💗 Expert presentations on mammography, nutrition, exercise, mental health, survivorship and genetic counseling (check out the slides for these presentations here - canva.link/z5ics2rs1fjoohk 💬 Live Q&A sessions and gift card giveaways Thank you to everyone who attended, our presenters and partners, and the VA Long Beach staff who helped make this event possible. Your commitment to Veteran health and well-being makes a difference. Together, we can raise awareness, encourage early detection and empower Veterans to take charge of their health.

✨ What’s New at VA Long Beach! ✨ Our latest newsletter is packed with updates, resources, and events for our Veteran community. Here’s a peek at what’s inside: • National PA Week recognition • Hispanic Heritage Month • Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminders • Vocational Rehabilitation Week activities • Upcoming events like White Cane Safety Day & a Veterans Resource Fair • COVID-19 vaccine updates • The 2026 Veterans Benefits Guide • New tools, resources, and ways to stay connected Stay informed, stay empowered — and thank you for being part of the VA Long Beach community. 👉 Read the full newsletter here: content.govdelivery.com/acco…

What you need to know as you approach 65 📅Timing matters. Your Medicare enrollment window runs from 3 months before to 3 months after the month you turn 65. Missing it can mean a lifelong penalty on your Part B premium. If you have missed yours, ask Social Security about a Special or General Enrollment Period. 💻 VA is its own system. There is no enrollment fee for all Veterans, and no bill to Medicare or TFL for care you receive at VA. 🧑‍⚕️ TFL fills the gaps. Once active, TRICARE For Life covers deductibles, copays, and extras that Medicare alone does not, such as routine eye exams. 🚪 Access can change over time. Your VA priority, local wait times, and health needs may shift. Medicare keeps that door open. 🤝VA and TFL work together. Enrolling in one does not cancel the other. #VeteransBenefits #MedicareEnrollment #TricareForLife #MedicareTips

Happy National PA Week! This week, we celebrate the Physician Assistants who show up every day with skill, compassion, and dedication to patient care. From diagnosing and treating patients to educating families and collaborating across care teams, PAs are essential to healthcare everywhere. Thank you to all the PAs who go above and beyond — your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. 👏

🎉 VA just awarded $2 million in grants to 10 California organizations running adaptive sports programs for Veterans! From archery to wheelchair softball, these programs help Veterans build independence & confidence. Part of $16M awarded nationwide. 🔗 va.gov/long-beach-health-car… #AdaptiveSports #Veterans

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to promote safety, healthy relationships, and support for Veterans and families. 💜 piped.video/watch?v=H-0LHhwl…

Happy National Healthcare Supply Chain Week! This week, we celebrate the dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running behind the scenes. From procurement and logistics to inventory management and distribution, our supply chain team ensures that critical medical supplies, equipment, and resources are in the right place at the right time — so our providers can focus on what matters most: patient care. Every box delivered, every order processed, and every system optimized makes a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you to our supply chain heroes for your tireless work, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence!