Category: Current Issues

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus.
Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA will provide financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
Who is Eligible?
To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions:
The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
For more information and to apply please visit FEMA here.

WHO:  All Veterans eligible for health care at the VA Pacific Islands Health Care System.

Must call for an appointment 1-800-214-1306 to guarantee a spot.

WHAT: Health Care Providers will be providing COVID-19 Vaccines to registered Veterans

WHERE: Spark Matsunaga VA Medical Center Ambulatory Care Center Honolulu, Hawaii 96819

 WHEN:  Monday – Friday until 3 p.m.  Saturday appointments available.

 One Team, One Ohana!

Amy Rohlfs

Public Affairs Officer

VA Pacific Islands Health Care System

Office: (808)  433-0049

Cell:      (808)  208-5544

Email:  gloria.rohlfs@va.gov

Website:  http://www.hawaii.va.gov

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/VAPacificIslands

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/va_pacific_islands/

VAPIHCS USAJOBS:  https://www.hawaii.va.gov/careers/index.asp

Weekly Radio VA Updates 

  • TUESDAYS 8:30 a.m.  830AM KHVH with Rick Hamada
  • THURSDAYS 5:30 p.m. on AM690 The Answer – Aligned with Veterans hour with Mike Buck

They Made It A Priority To Fight For Us

by JIMMY PANETTA

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jimmy Panetta in the Kunar Valley of Afghanistant in 2008.

Veterans Day provides an opportunity to recognize and honor all men and women who have answered the call of duty through military service to the United States of America. It also is a day on which our communities not only must express our appreciation, but also strengthen our spirit for those who served and are serving our country.

Click below for full article.

https://riponsociety.org/article/they-made-it-a-priority-to-fight-for-us/

Veteran and First Responder Prevention Virtual Conference Tickets – Friday September 11, 2020 at 8:30 am

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/veteran-and-first-responder-suicide-prevention-virtual-conference-tickets-117440873815

10th Annual LASPN Suicide Prevention Summit: Hope, Transformation & Well-Being

About this Event

This year’s 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Summit will focus on the impacts of COVID-19, systemic racism and oppression, and community violence. Our goal is to bring together the brightest minds in Suicide Prevention, to present talks that foster hope, transformation and well-being. Collectively we will explore the role all of us can play in suicide prevention.

Day 3 – Sept 11th: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm (Hosted by CalVet)

This session requires special registration – space is limited. Please complete Eventbrite registration to receive Zoom instructions.

08:30 – 09:00: 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony: Moment of Silence & Reflection.

  • Introduction: Keith Boylan-Deputy Secretary-Veterans Services Division, CalVet
  • Welcome: Colette Thomas (LACDMH), James Zenner (VPAN LACDMH), Steve Peck (CEO, U.S. VETS)

09:00 – 10:30: Session 1: Military & Suicide

  • Keynote April Foreman (American Association of Suicidology, Exec Board) “Focusing on the impacts of COVID-19, systemic racism and oppression, and community violence”

10:40 – 12:10: Session 2: First Responders & Veterans “Who watches the watchers? Protecting and serving those who Protect & Serve”

  • Speakers include: Brian Malte (Hope & Heal Fund), Miatta Snetter (U.S. VETS), and Crystal Williams (LACDMH) and more TBA.
  • Moderated by: David Weiner (Former Chief of Police, Long Beach VA)

12:30 – 14:00: Session 3: Panel Discussion: “Bringing hope to life: What Suicide Prevention means to me”

  • Panelists include: Tess Banko (UCLA/VA Veterans Family Wellness Center), Roberto Alvarez (LA County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Special Assistant, Military and Veterans Affairs), Nathan Graeser (Brigade Chaplain, California Army National Guard), and Eric Barrera (VPAN LACDMH & Marine Corps Veteran)
  • Moderated by: Robert K. Stohr (Executive Director, U.S. VETS Patriotic Hall)

Learn more about our speakers below

Speakers will be updated soon