The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced operational updates for facilities in VISN 8 due to Hurricane Milton. As of Monday, October 7, 2024, several facilities will experience closures and service modifications.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, including the C. W. “Bill” Young VAMC Campus, will be closed for in-person appointments from Monday, October 7 through Thursday, October 10. This includes the Emergency Department and all other sites of care.
Similarly, the Tampa VA Healthcare System's James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital will also be closed for in-person appointments from Tuesday, October 8 to Thursday, October 10. However, its Emergency Department will remain open for critical needs during this period.
In contrast, the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System along with the Orlando VA Healthcare System and West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System are fully operational on Monday and Tuesday.
The Miami VA Healthcare System is also fully operational on these days.
Florida VBA offices have been closed for in-person assistance until Friday, October 11 but remain available for virtual support. Veterans can schedule virtual appointments via their online portal.
Additionally, "the VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program has been activated" across several systems including Bay Pines and Tampa. This allows veteran patients to obtain necessary refills at local retail pharmacies using an empty active VA prescription bottle or a new prescription form by an authorized provider.
For billing questions or coverage issues related to prescriptions during this time, "the Heritage Health Customer Care Line is available" with specified operating hours throughout the week.
Furthermore, "the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center is operational 24/7/365" providing virtual care and tele-emergency support to veterans enrolled in various regions including Florida and Puerto Rico.
Updates on Hurricane Milton-related matters such as sandbags and evacuation orders can be accessed through the Florida Disaster website which will continue to provide new information as it becomes available.