The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced several closures and operational changes for its healthcare facilities in Florida due to the upcoming federal holiday and potential impacts from Hurricane Helene or Milton. The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus will be closed from Thursday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 15, including its Emergency Department. All other sites within this system will also be closed from Friday, October 11 to Monday, October 14.
Similarly, the Tampa VA Healthcare System's James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital will close for in-person appointments during the same period but will keep its Emergency Department open for critical needs. Other sites under this system will follow the same closure schedule.
In contrast, certain clinics within the Orlando VA Healthcare System—namely Clermont VA Clinic, Port Orange VA Clinic (PRRC), and Westside Pavilion VA Clinic—will only close on Friday, October 11 for in-person appointments. However, all other locations under this system remain fully operational on that day.
The West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, and Miami VA Healthcare System are all set to operate normally on Friday, October 11.
For veterans needing assistance with benefits during these closures, Florida VBA offices are offering virtual support until Friday, October 11. Virtual appointments can be scheduled for disability compensation claims and appeals through their online platform.
Additionally, the VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program is active across several systems including Bay Pines and Tampa. This program allows veteran patients to obtain necessary refills at local retail pharmacies by presenting an empty active prescription bottle or a new prescription form authorized by a VA provider.
For any billing questions related to prescriptions or coverage issues during this period, veterans can contact the Heritage Health Customer Care Line at 1-866-265-0124. The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center remains available around-the-clock for virtual care support across Florida and surrounding regions.
Veterans affected by recent hurricanes are encouraged to visit Disaster Help | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) for additional resources and support information.