Lebanon VA Medical Center

10/28/2026

Veterans who receive care at the VA Lebanon Healthcare System continue to embark on activities which expand their capabilities and increase their participation in healthy lifestyles. William Hoffman is one of these Veterans. William or Bill as he is known to his friends, participated in the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers 26th Annual President’s Challenge last month just outside of Pittsburgh in North Park.

The activity helped to raise funds to support the Pittsburgh Steelwheelers, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in competitive sports. Currently, the Steelwheelers participate in 3 main sports: Wheelchair Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball, and Handcycling. The cost associated with the equipment needed to play these sports can be a significant barrier to entry for many people, but the Department of Veterans Affairs provides adaptive recumbent bicycles and tricycles to eligible disabled Veterans through its Recreation Therapy or Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) programs. Supporting the Steelwheelers gives these participants the ability to engage in competitive sports and build friendships with teammates which provide for a better overall quality of life.

September’s race was divided into three starts: Wheelchairs, Hand Cycles (Recumbents), and Walk/Run. The 5K course started at the Boathouse and took a scenic route through the park. As always, the event was challenging, especially in the hill country of western Pennsylvania. While a 5K may seem short to some, the challenge of many long hills and numerous participants tests a rider’s skills, focus and discipline.

As the riders crossed the finish line, what stayed with them wasn’t just the effort it took to finish the course, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing beyond perceived limits. Events like this remind us that perseverance, community, and opportunity can transform lives.

For Veterans like Bill, every mile offers a chance to reconnect with passions, rediscover strengths, and join a community that celebrates ability rather than limitation.

10/27/2026

As a woman Veteran, your health needs are unique. VA provides breast health services designed specifically for you. From screenings and diagnosis to treatment, recovery and mental health support, we’re here to support you.
Learn about services and resources near you.
http://www.womenshealth.va.gov

10/20/2026

Here's some BIG news...

VA Lebanon Healthcare System Announces Planned Construction of New Berks County Veterans Affairs Community Clinic. The new venture with will dramatically increase space

For Immediate Release – October 20, 2026

LEBANON, Pa. – VA Lebanon Healthcare System announced that is has awarded a multi-year contract to to build and manage a new Berks County Veterans Affairs Community Clinic (VACC). The new VACC will be located at 4710 Penn Ave, Suite 100 Sinking Spring, PA 19608 in a portion of the former Fecera’s Furniture building. The new clinic will replace the current federal VA clinic at 2762 Century Boulevard in Wyomissing.

The new VACC will provide 29,388 square feet of clinical space, along with 150 parking spaces. The facility will support the growing demand for health services in Berks County. Services at the new VACC will include: Primary Care, Mental and Behavioral Health Care, Women’s Health Care, Laboratory Services, Social Work Services, Xray, Audiology, Optometry, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy Counseling, Nutrition Services, Whole Health Care and Telehealth Services. The new lease with Motus Development is for 10 years.

The expected completion date for the build out and remodeling is October 2027. VA anticipates that the facility will become operational and begin seeing patients in early 2028. Dr. Stuart A. Roop, the VA Lebanon Healthcare System Acting Director said, “We are thrilled to meet the expanding demand for Veterans services in Berks County with a strong and reliable partner like Motus Development. Our vision and values align perfectly, and Veterans will benefit from this joint operation. This achievement reflects exceptional collaboration across planning, design, procurement, and program leadership. I am grateful for all the hard work and commitment to delivering critical infrastructure that supports Veterans!”

is a locally owned and operated Real Estate Development company based in Wyomissing, PA.

VA Lebanon Healthcare System is one of 170 medical centers in the nation with the sole purpose of providing world-class medical care to America’s Veterans. VA Lebanon HCS serves a nine-county area in South Central Pennsylvania covering Adams, Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill and York counties. VA Lebanon HCS also oversees community clinics located in Mechanicsburg, Lancaster, Pottsville, Wyomissing, and York. If you are Veteran, you may be eligible to receive care and benefits from VA. To learn more, call 717-228-6000.

10/19/2026

On June 17, 2026, while working the night shift, Clinical Laboratory Scientist Supervisor, Amanda Brutts MLS, ASCP, played a key role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of a Veteran presenting to the Emergency Department after recent travel to Africa. Although Ebola was initially considered, consultation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) clarified that the travel region did not indicate Ebola risk but raised the possibility of malaria.

Recognizing the importance of this guidance, Amanda conducted a thorough evaluation of the patient’s blood smear. Despite the Plasmodium rings not being immediately visible, she persisted in her review, ultimately identifying the subtle ring forms within the red blood cells. She prepared slides for confirmation by the pathologist, enabling the care team to proceed confidently with early treatment.

Following coordinated efforts between Providers and Pharmacy, the Veteran was able to obtain medication and begin therapy.

This outcome reflected the strong teamwork and dedication of everyone involved. In addition, a group of residents visiting the Lebanon VA that day were able to view the malaria slide in the laboratory—a rare and valuable learning opportunity given the infrequency of malaria diagnoses in Pennsylvania.

Great catch Amanda!

10/17/2026

10/16/2026

Turning 65? Veterans, this one is for you.

Reaching 65 can bring important questions about your health care: What happens to my VA benefits? Do I need medicare? What about Tricare for life?

The VA has created a new Turning 65 resource to help Veterans understand their healthcare options and make informed decisions as they approach this important milestone.

Don't wait until your 65th birthday to start asking questions. Know your options. Know your benefits. Talk to your provider today.

10/14/2026

VA recommends that with average risk for breast cancer start screening with mammography at age 40. It is recommended to repeat this test every other year.
You may choose to get a mammogram every year. For 74+, talk with your health care provider about risks and benefits.
By getting routine mammograms, you may be able to detect breast cancer early and get treatment before it spreads. Mammogram costs are covered for Veterans receiving care at VA. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov

10/14/2026

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to align your faith with that passion? The VA Lebanon Healthcare System is currently seeking candidates for our upcoming Clinical Pastoral Education program.

Clinical Pastoral Education is an interfaith method of theological education through which a student exercises and learns pastoral skills.

It provides a learning situation to develop awareness of the theological and psycho-social concerns of persons in crisis. We seek to celebrate, refine and to enhance your already natural, innate, and honed gifts for spiritual care.

This will be done through structured weekly educational elements, peer group engagement, and supervision and instructions from experts in the field.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027-2028 cohort. The program will operate from August 23, 2027 through August 18, 2028.

If interested please submit an application to Joel Risser, [email protected], 717-272-6621 ext. 5740

For more information, please see our website: https://www.va.gov/lebanon-health-care/work-with-us/internships-and-fellowships/clinical-pastoral-education-summer-2025/

10/07/2026

VA provides state-of-the-art, coordinated breast healthcare, including mammograms, breast ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, genetic counseling and testing, cancer diagnosis and treatment, and more.
Call the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) to learn about services and resources near you. https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/mammogram-breast-health.asp