VA Portland Health Care System

As part of VA Portland Health Care System's ongoing commitment to honor and support women Veterans, we will be observing Women Veterans Day on Friday, June 12 at our Portland and Vancouver campuses.

Date: Friday, June 12
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where:
Portland
VA Portland Campus Auditorium, 2nd floor, Main Hospital building, 100

Vancouver
Columbia Room, 3rd floor, building 11

As part of our Freedom 250 observance, where we mark the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we walk through the timeline of notable events which shaped our nation, and milestones which honor our Veterans.

Today we look at the history and evolution of the Veteran's Health Administration (VHA).

On January 3, 1946, President Truman established the forerunner of today’s Veterans Health Administration by creating the Department of Medicine and Surgery within the Veterans Administration.

While the bill was popular with Congress and the public, a last-minute veto push from the U.S. Civil Service Commission threatened to derail its passage. Bradley and Hawley countered the Commission’s objections with their own high-pressure tactics to sway the president. Both threatened to resign on New Year’s Eve if Truman did not sign the legislation. The president chose to side with them and ignore the commission’s entreaties. When the bill became law, Dr. Hawley enthused: “With the signature of the Medical Department Act, our objective is clear, a medical service for the Veteran that is second to none in the world.” He added a promise: “[W]e shall build an outstanding service.”

Learn more at https://department.va.gov/history/100-objects/object-8-public-law-79-29

The US Navy Band's Brass Quintet visited VA Portland Health Care System's Portland campus the morning of June 4, 2026, playing for an audience of Veterans and employees in the main hospital building's Atrium.

US Navy and US Coast Guard Sailors also visited both the Portland and Vancouver campuses of the VA; a group of officers toured the VA Portland's main hospital building, visiting with and saying hello to Veterans and staff; and a larger group of Sailors visited the Community Living Center (CLC) on the VA's Vancouver campus.

The visits are a long-standing tradition which coincides with the Portland Rose Festival's Fleet Week events going on in downtown Portland. Ships from the US Navy and US Coast Guard are on display along Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront, including free public tours. Various other activities are planned throughout the week to celebrate the annual festival including the Grand Floral Starlight Parade on June 6, the City Fair Carnival, June 5-7, and the Spring Rose Show, June 6-7. The US Navy and US Coast Guard ships are in Portland June 2-8.

Photo credit: Alex Sturdivant, VA Portland Medical Media

VA provides care to Veterans through community providers when VA cannot provide the care needed. Community care is based on specific eligibility requirements, availability of VA care, and the needs and circumstances of individual Veterans.

Need to find out how to get a referral? Scan the QR code to find out more!

You can also visit https://www.va.gov/communitycare/ for more information.

The US Navy Rock Band visited VA Portland Health Care System's Vancouver campus the afternoon of June 3, 2026, playing for an audience of Veterans and employees in the Community Living Center's courtyard.

This morning (Thursday, June 4), US Navy and US Coast Guard Sailors are scheduled to visit both the Portland and Vancouver campuses of the VA; a group of officers will tour the VA Portland's main hospital building, visiting with and saying hello to Veterans and staff; and a larger group of Sailors will visit the Community Living Center (CLC) on the VA's Vancouver campus.

Also, from 10 a.m. to Noon, the US Navy Band's Brass Quintet will entertain Veterans and visitors in the Atrium of the VA Portland's main hospital building 100.

The visits are a long-standing tradition which coincides with the Portland Rose Festival's Fleet Week events going on in downtown Portland. Ships from the US Navy and US Coast Guard are on display along Portland's Tom McCall Waterfront, including free public tours. Various other activities are planned throughout the week to celebrate the annual festival including the Grand Floral Starlight Parade on June 6, the City Fair Carnival, June 5-7, and the Spring Rose Show, June 6-7. The US Navy and US Coast Guard ships are in Portland June 2-8.

Navy Band Northwest

You don’t have to carry it all alone.

Starting mental health treatment and opening up can be intimidating, but we’re here to help.

VA has resources to address the unique stressors and experiences that Veterans may face: Mentalhealth.va.gov/get-help/index.asp

Veterans, you’ve earned your benefits. VA health care is one of them. From primary care to mental health support, VA is built to serve Veterans — because your service matters.

https://www.va.gov/health-care/

Secure your future, honor their care. Primary family caregivers can receive legal and financial planning services through VA’s Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.

For more information, visit https://www.caregiverfinanciallegal.va.gov/legal-and-financial-planning-services/

Sometimes the signs that someone is having thoughts of su***de aren’t obvious. Changes in behavior, mood, or routines can signal a Veteran needs support.

Learn more: VeteransCrisisLine.net/SignsOfCrisis.

Signs of Crisis – Veterans Crisis Line People cope with stressful situations in different ways. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Even if to***co use is part of your daily routine, or you’ve tried quitting before, or you’re worried about withdrawal symptoms, you have the power to reclaim your life.

Need guidance on how to stay away from to***co? Talk to trained quit coaches who will help you during any phase of quitting.

Call the VA to***co quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET or visit Mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/quit-to***co/quit-vet.asp