Each year, the VHA National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships, part of the Office of Discovery, Education, and Affiliate Networks, leads the VHA National Community Partnership Challenge and annual VHA Partnership Conference so that VHA can recognize exceptional collaborations across the country. On Sept. 16, the 2026 winners were announced. The University of Illinois Chicago Student Veterans Affairs and VA Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership were announced as winners. This partnership helps student Veterans and military-affiliated students in Illinois access VA, college, and community resources, benefits, and support needed to succeed in their academic and personal lives. Since 2022, the UIC SVA and VA VITAL partnership has connected 111 student Veterans and military-affiliated students with support, completing 143 encounters and making 200 referrals to VA, campus, and community resources. The program also reached approximately 169 faculty and staff through 13 training courses, helping expand awareness of VA benefits and simplify access to care and support. These winners show how local partnerships can expand access, improve care, and meet Veterans where they are. I encourage every facility and program office to consider how these approaches might be adapted in their own communities and to continue the impactful partnerships that help VA serve more Veterans. Congratulations to the 2026 winners and thank you to everyone for building partnerships that improve the lives of Veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. To learn more about these winners, resources, and how to establish nonmonetary strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives, visit VHA Partnerships or reach out to HAP at [email protected].

Hope has a pulse and it beats in you. The October Blood Drive takes place at Jesse Brown Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in the Mezzanine, second floor (hallway between Damen and Ogden buildings). Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcomed. One pint of blood can save up to three lives. To sign up, please visit tinyurl.com/42mesa8x.

One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Researchers using data from VA’s Million Veteran Program found that a genetic risk model can accurately predict breast cancer risk in women Veterans, which can lead to personalized screenings based on risk. Help support research aimed at improving early detection and treatment for Veterans. Visit mvp.va.gov or call (866) 441-6075.

If you’re a Veteran and you’re soon turning 65 years old, you may have questions about your healthcare coverage options. In addition to your VA healthcare, you may be eligible for Medicare and TRICARE for Life. The right healthcare coverage depends on your specific needs.

Enrolled Veterans can now schedule VA TeleDermatology imaging appointments without first contacting their primary care team for a referral. To use this self-referral option, Veterans must be assigned to a Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT). Call (888) 569-5282, option 4 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Polish American Heritage Month is an annual designation observed in October. Across the globe, there are about 9.5 million Polish Americans. They represent about 3% of the American in population. In Chicago, there are almost 1 million Polish Americans.

Thank you for hosting such an amazing relaunch of the RQI program at Jesse Brown VA. I’m grateful to have been part of the event and truly appreciate the energy, preparation, and commitment brought to making the relaunch a success. We are sincerely thankful for the dedicated and passionate education team. Their positivity and excitement were truly contagious and created a positive experience for the staff. My team and I look forward to continuing to partner with you to help the RQI program thrive. As we move forward, ongoing leadership support will be an important part of sustaining momentum, promoting compliance, and strengthening accountability at the unit level. Thank you again for your dedication to making this program successful.

Depression doesn't look the same on everyone. Still depression. Still treatable. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov/depressi….

Comm Ed has a planned power outage for the building where our Chicago Heights CBOC is located, and they will be without power and unable to utilize the generator during the power outage. Comm Ed is upgrading the power capability to the building. The Chicago Heights CBOC will need to be shut down from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 9.

When you join the Million Veteran Program, your privacy comes first. We protect your personal information by removing identifying details and using advanced security measures to keep your data safe. Join more than 1 million Veterans making a difference. Visit mvp.va.gov/pwa/?utm_source=s… or call (866) 441-6075.

Comm Ed has a planned power outage for the building where Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center's Chicago Heights CBOC is located, and they will be without power and unable to utilize the generator during the power outage. Comm Ed is upgrading the power capability to the building. The Chicago Heights CBOC will need to be shut down from 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Oct. 9.

Mental health care isn't separate from your VA benefits. It's one of them, and it's yours. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov to get started.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is October, and many women Veterans do not know that the cancer is preventable and the services available to them to assist with detection. The women's health program will be hosting a pop-up booth Tuesday, Oct. 13 to inform women Veterans of this cancer and available options. The pop-up booth provides: Increased awareness and education: Women Veterans gain knowledge about breast cancer risk factors, signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection. Enhanced access to resources: Women Veterans learn about VA breast health services, support networks, and specialty care options. Immediate connections can be made to case management, mental health resources, and survivorship programs. Increased engagement with VA Health Care: Booths promote trust and connection, reminding Veterans of VA’s commitment to women’s health. Booths may identify women not currently engaged with VA care, encouraging enrollment or re-engagement. Data collection and feedback: Organizers can gather feedback (anonymized or as appropriate) about barriers to screening, perceptions, and additional needs, informing future programming. Health equity: Focused engagement helps address disparities in breast cancer awareness and screening among women Veterans compared to nonVeteran populations.

Women aged 40 to 74 years are encouraged to get a mammogram every two years. Learn about breast cancer risk assessments available to you at VA at womenshealth.va.gov/topics/m….

Every Veteran deserves support. There is hope. Visit VA.gov/REACH to find helpful resources for yourself or a Veteran in your life.

In recognition of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed annually the third Friday in September, we would like to recognize our Former Prisoner of War Team for their meaningful outreach and dedication to honoring our Veterans. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is a U.S. observance dedicated to honoring former prisoners of war and remembering those who remain missing in action from all conflicts. The observance reinforces our nation’s enduring commitment to account for every unreturned service member, symbolized by the black-and-white POW/MIA flag and its powerful message: “You Are Not Forgotten.” On Sept. 18, the team had the privilege of visiting Mr. Wright, a 98-year-old Korean War-era former POW who served in the U.S. Army Infantry and endured 32 months in captivity. Following his release, he remarkably reenlisted and continued his military service. During the visit, the team spent time with Mr. Wright and his daughters, listening to stories, viewing photographs, and reading letters about his service. The family also shared memories of FPOW events they had attended over the years. Mr. Wright was presented with a commemorative frame, pin, recognition letter, and donuts, a fitting treat for someone who enjoys sweets. They also learned that he is a devoted Cubs fan who attended one of the historic 2016 World Series games. This visit was a wonderful example of what Veteran-centered care looks like — meeting the Veteran where he is and honoring his service in a personal, meaningful, and dignified way. Please join us in recognizing the FPOW Team for their compassion and commitment: Dr. David Rogers – FPOW Physician Eric Glessner – FPOW Advocate Debbie Rafael Shanley – FPOW Social Worker Team Lead Dr. Amin Daghestani – FPOW Compensation & Pension Kelley Alexander – FPOW VBA Patrick Grimes – Market Growth Coordinator Thank you for helping ensure that our former POWs and their families know they are valued, supported, and never forgotten. Pictured Below (left to right) Eric Glessner, Debbie Rafael Shanley, FPOW CL Wright, and Patrick B. Grimes

Stay connected to VA resources on the go. The VA: Health and Benefits app lets you refill prescriptions, send secure messages to your care team, review appointments, and find facilities near you. #VAMobile mobile.va.gov/app/va-health-….

Many #Veterans may not show obvious signs of suicide, but some of their actions, words, and behaviors might indicate they need help. Learn what to look for to help the Veterans you know who may be going through a difficult time: VeteransCrisisLine.net/signs….

National POW/MIA Recognition Day, observed this year Friday, Sept. 18, is important because if forces us to pause and honor Americans who endured the unimaginable as prisoners of war and to remember those who never came home. It is a day to recognize not just their service but their resilience under captivity, isolation, and hardship and to acknowledge the sacrifice carried by their families who lived for years without answers. First established by Congress in 1979 and now held on the third Friday of every September, it also reaffirms a national promise that we will never stop accounting for the missing. When we fly the black and white POW/MIA flag, attend a ceremony, or simply take a moment of silence, we tell Veterans, former POWs, and Gold Star families that their suffering and their loved ones’ service will not fade into history.

Vaccines can help protect from flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumonia. These vaccines are available at no cost to Veterans receiving care at VA. prevention.va.gov/