The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 has announced operational status updates for its facilities in response to Tropical Storm Helene. The updates are effective as of Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 3:30 p.m.
Several VA healthcare facilities will be closed due to the storm. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, including the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and clinics in Bradenton, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and North Pinellas, will be closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27.
The James A. Haley Veterans Hospital and Clinics in Tampa will also close all outpatient clinics on Thursday, September 26. The hospital itself will remain open for emergencies only.
In the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System area, the Perry VA Clinic closed on Wednesday, September 25 at 2:30 p.m., and will remain closed through Thursday, September 26. All outpatient clinics in this region will be closed on Thursday as well. The Lake City and Malcom Randall VA Medical Centers will also be open only for emergencies on Thursday. Additionally, the Valdosta VA Clinic will be closed on Friday, September 27.
Meanwhile, the Orlando VA Healthcare System remains fully operational along with the West Palm Beach and Miami VA Healthcare Systems.
The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center continues to operate around the clock to provide virtual care and tele-emergency support to veterans enrolled in VA Health Care across Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For assistance or more information about VISN 8 services during this period, veterans can call 1-877-741-3400 or visit their website.
Veterans needing prescription refills can use the VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program activated for the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. To obtain refills from local retail pharmacies, veterans must present an empty active VA prescription bottle or a new prescription form from an authorized VA provider.
For billing questions or coverage related to prescriptions during this period, both veterans and pharmacies can contact the Heritage Health Customer Care Line at 1-866-265-0124 (option 1), available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Saturday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For general preparedness information regarding tropical weather events and other emergencies, individuals are encouraged to visit Ready.gov.