Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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Southern Arizona Veterans Health Update for Tuesday, August 4, 2026


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Protect your VA benefits from fraud 

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Find resources about fraud targeting Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Know the signs of a scam, get advice about what to do, and learn how to report scams and identity theft.

Learn more at vsafe.gov.


Participate in health research

Join MVP today

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As a Veteran, you served your country before. Here's another chance for you to serve again.

When you join VA’s Million Veteran Program, you help researchers study how genes affect health. MVP is leading to discoveries which will save lives and improve care for thousands of fellow Veterans into the future.

Sign up by calling 866-441-6075 or online at the VA Million Veteran Program webpage.


local news

August in National Wellness Month

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August is National Wellness Month, a reminder to focus on habits that support overall health and well-being. Wellness means caring for your body and mind through small, healthy choices each day. Habits like staying active, drinking enough water, sleeping well, and managing stress can improve physical and emotional health over time.


Physical activity is an important part of wellness. Regular movement helps strengthen muscles and bones, supports heart health, improves balance, and may boost mood. Activities like walking, stretching, gardening, light yoga, or chair exercises are simple ways to stay active. Even short periods of movement throughout the day can improve energy and overall health.

Mental and emotional wellness matter too. Stress can affect sleep, digestion, blood pressure, and mood. Taking time to relax each day may help lower stress and improve mental well-being. Deep breathing, spending time outdoors, listening to music, or talking with loved ones are simple ways to recharge.

Good sleep, hydration, and social connection also support wellness. Drinking water, getting enough rest, and staying connected with family and friends can improve both physical and emotional health. National Wellness Month is a great time to focus on small healthy habits that fit your lifestyle. Simple daily changes can support strength, energy, mobility, and overall well-being.

Peach Oat Yogurt Bowl 

This Peach Oat Yogurt Bowl provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to support overall wellness. Greek yogurt contains protein and calcium to help support muscle and bone health, while peaches provide vitamins, hydration, and natural sweetness. Oats provide complex carbohydrates for steady energy and may help prevent blood sugar spikes. Chia seeds add fiber, which supports digestion and heart health, while pecans provide heart-healthy fats. This simple meal is easy to prepare and makes a healthy breakfast or snack that helps keep energy levels steady throughout the day.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 fresh peach, sliced
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Instructions:

  1. Put Greek yogurt into a bowl.
  2. Top with peaches and oats.
  3. Sprinkle chia seeds, pecans, and cinnamon on top.
  4. Drizzle with honey and serve.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Fat: 10g

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System sees surge as more Veterans enroll in VA health care

E&E at a veteran resource fair

The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Eligibility and Enrollment team has announced a 6.5% increase in Veteran enrollments so far in fiscal year 2026, a significant rise that supports the Choose VA initiative, a national effort to increase Veteran awareness of VA healthcare benefits.

To find out more and learn how to check your VA health care eligibility, you can check out the VA news article- Southern Arizona VA sees surge as more Veterans enroll in VA health care


VHA benefits staff at the Tucson VA Medical Center

VHA benefits staff will be available on Wednesday, August 12 on a first-come, first-served basis

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Veterans Health Administration (VHA) benefits staff will be available to meet one-on-one with Veterans to help with questions, disability compensation, pensions, and filing claims on Wednesday, August 12 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please call 1-800-827-1000.

All services are provided on a first-come, first served basis

Location:

Tucson VA Medical Center
3601 S. 6th Ave., Quarters 13
Tucson, AZ 85723

Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Additional dates: September 9, October 14, December 9, 2026


upcoming events

Safford Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair

Safford Veteran Engagement & Resource Fair

Join us on Thursday, August 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a Veteran Engagement and Resource Fair at American Legion Post 32 located at 531 South 11th Ave., Safford, AZ 85546.

There will VA and community resources on hand providing information and resource to Veterans, their families, and caregivers.

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) staff will be present to assist Veterans with their disability claims and help guide them through the claims process. If you have questions about a current claim or need help getting started, this is a great opportunity to speak directly with VBA representatives.

For more information, please contact the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System Public Affairs at 520-629-1819. 


Quarterly Mental Health Open House

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The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) Mental Health Services will be hosting a Mental Health Open House on Thursday, August 20 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. During the open house, participants will learn about the various mental health services offered at the SAVAHCS. 

To attend please RSVP at (520) 629-4810 as soon as possible to reserve your spot.  


DISCLAIMER: THE SHARING OF ANY NON-VA INFORMATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF PRODUCTS OR SERVICES ON THE PART OF THE VA.


Resources

VBA Appointment Scheduler 

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Need to speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)? Check out the Veteran Engagement Reporting Application to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. 


VA Resource Navigator 

VA Resource Guide

Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA?

Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.


VA is here for you

1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is always the right number. 

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Sent to Esdek@podam.pl on behalf of US Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration · 810 Vermont Avenue, NW · Washington, DC 20420 · 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387)