The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a series of closures and schedule adjustments for its facilities in Florida due to Hurricane Milton. The affected dates are Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, 2024. Several VA healthcare systems across the state have altered their operations in response to the storm.
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus will remain closed from Thursday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 15, including its Emergency Department. Other sites within this system will also be closed during these dates.
In the Tampa VA Healthcare System, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital will be closed for in-person appointments on Thursday, October 10. However, its Emergency Department will remain open for critical needs.
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System's Medical Center will close for in-person appointments on Thursday but plans to be fully operational by Friday, October 11.
The North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System has multiple facilities closing at noon on Wednesday through Thursday for in-person appointments. These include Malcom Randall and Lake City VA Medical Centers as well as various clinics in Gainesville and surrounding areas.
The Orlando VA Healthcare System’s main medical center will also be closed on Thursday for in-person appointments while keeping its Emergency Department open.
Miami’s Key West VA Clinic is shut down from Wednesday through early afternoon on Thursday for similar reasons.
Additionally, all Florida VBA offices are closed until Friday but continue offering virtual assistance. Veterans can arrange virtual meetings concerning disability compensation claims and appeals via the provided website link.
An emergency prescription refill program has been activated across several systems including Bay Pines and Tampa. Veterans needing refills can visit local pharmacies with specific documentation as outlined by the VA guidelines.
For ongoing support amidst these closures and weather-related challenges, veterans can access the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center which operates around the clock providing virtual care and tele-emergency services to those enrolled in regions including Florida and South Georgia.
Further details regarding hurricane preparedness such as evacuation orders can be found online at designated state disaster websites along with guidance from Veteran Affairs' own disaster help resources.