The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System has announced that the C. W. "Bill" Young VAMC Campus Emergency Department is closed until further notice. Outpatient appointments will be available in most areas, while all surgical, interventional radiology, interventional pain, and endoscopy procedures scheduled for Thursday, October 17, have been canceled. Veterans affected by these cancellations will be rescheduled for the earliest possible appointment.
All other sites of care within the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System are fully operational. This includes the Tampa VA Healthcare System, Orlando VA Healthcare System, West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, and Miami VA Healthcare System.
Florida VBA offices remain closed for in-person assistance through Friday, October 18. However, virtual assistance is available to veterans who can schedule virtual appointments for disability compensation claims and appeals online.
The VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program has been activated across several healthcare systems including Bay Pines, Tampa, Orlando, and North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health Systems. Veteran patients can obtain necessary refills at local retail pharmacies by presenting an empty active VA prescription bottle or a new prescription on a VA form provided by an authorized provider. Controlled substances are not included in this program.
For any billing questions or coverage inquiries related to prescriptions obtained through retail pharmacies under this program, both VA patients and pharmacies can contact the Heritage Health Customer Care Line at 1-866-265-0124 during specified hours throughout the week.
The VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center remains operational 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. The center can be reached at 1-877-741-3400.
Veterans seeking information on hurricane preparedness such as sandbags or evacuation orders are encouraged to visit Hurricane Milton | Florida Disaster for updates as they become available.
Additionally, those affected by Hurricane Helene or Milton can find assistance resources by visiting Disaster Help | Veterans Affairs (va.gov).