William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital

08/31/2026

This International Overdose Awareness Day, VA is raising awareness of overdose prevention and connecting Veterans, families and communities with resources that can save lives. Today at VA, there are more options than ever to help prevent overdose and support Veterans’ recovery from substance use disorder.

Whether you’re seeking care for the first time, returning to treatment, or supporting a loved one, resources are available and recovery is possible:

✔ Naloxone is a medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose. VA provides it for free. Knowing how to use this medication could save a life. In fact, since VA started making naloxone available nationally to Veterans, it has documented more than 7,700 overdose reversals with this medication. Learn how to get naloxone at VA or in your community and find out how to administer it.

✔ Evidence-based treatments are treatments supported by research that may include therapies, medication, or both. Treatments are available at your local VA medical center or clinic. In addition, assessment and treatment referral services are available at Vet Centers.

✔ VA residential rehabilitation treatment, also known as inpatient or domiciliary care, provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans with substance use disorders and other mental health conditions.

✔ VA’s Alcohol and Drug Education is a free online course that highlights the effects of these substances on the mind and body. The course helps Veterans make informed decisions about substance use and provides proven tools and strategies to enable positive changes.

No matter what you’re experiencing, recovery is possible. Visit MentalHealth.va.gov for more information.

08/31/2026

📞 Our next Veteran Teletown Hall is September 3, 2026, at 12 p.m. 📞

We call 10,000 of our Veterans randomly, but to ensure you receive a call, register at least 24 hours in advance at:

👉 https://admin.teletownhall.us/web_registration/registration/T6G7JK48LQCF

During this live, interactive event over the phone, we’ll provide updates on the Madison VA Hospital & Clinics and host a Q&A session.

We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your questions!

08/28/2026

Greetings,

In case we haven't met, I'm EHRMA The Cow 🐮, and I'm here to help with Madison VA Hospital and Clinics' mooove to the new Federal Electronic Health Record.

When we go live on January 16, 2027, it'll mean an easier transition from military to VA care, fewer repeat tests and a more consistent experience across every VA you visit.

A few simple steps now can make the transition smooo-ther for you and your care team.

Here is how you can prepare:

📆 Schedule appointments early. Fewer slots may be open right before and after our January launch, so book ahead when you can.

💊 Refill and renew prescriptions early. This helps you avoid pharmacy delays.

💻 Update your contact information. Sign in to your VA profile at VA.gov using your Login.gov or ID.me account to check your name, email, phone number and address. If your legal name has changed and you receive pay from the Department of Defense, confirm that it is updated in DEERS - even if it hasn't changed, be sure your contact information matches with what is in the VA system.

📨 Use secure messaging through VA.gov for non-urgent, non-emergency questions for your care team.

👂 Stay informed. Visit digital.va.gov/ehr-modernization for the latest updates and follow Madison VA Hospital and Clinics on Facebook for local news. If you have Veteran friends who aren't receiving these email updates, please encourage them to subscribe so they receive updates as we get closer to January.

You have earned the best care possible and this new system will help VA deliver it.

If you have questions along the way, I am here to help.

Moo-ving forward together,
EHRMA T. Cow 🐄

08/26/2026

Thank you to all of our women Veterans and employees! 🇺🇸

Today, on Women's Equality Day, we honor the generations of women who fought for greater equality, opportunity, and a voice in shaping our nation.

To the woman who came before us and paved the way, thank you. Because of you, generations of women continue to lead and make history.

08/26/2026

🎉 Join us for our 75th Anniversary Open House🎉

Celebrate our special milestone of 75 years of caring for Veterans!

📅 Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
🕓 4 to 6 p.m.
📍 Madison VA Hospital, 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI

Grab a fellow Veteran and introduce them to the best health care around.

⭐ Hospital tours and demonstrations
⭐ Veteran resources
⭐ Enrollment and eligibility support
⭐ Meet and greet with Hall of Heroes inductees
⭐ Live music

08/25/2026

You served America, now go see it!⛰️

Veterans get free entrance to national parks YEAR ROUND.

Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

08/24/2026

📢 Calling all Women Veterans! 📢

Your voice matters. 🙋‍♀️ Join us for a Women Veterans Focus Group and help shape the care and services you receive.

🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026
🕠 5:30 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

📍 Attend in person:
Lt. Marion C. Cranefield VFW Post 1318
2740 Ski Lane, Fitchburg, WI 53713

💻 Join on Microsoft Teams:
teams.microsoft.com/meet/23992417378966?p=X1Y3QsbtvQ5bPGUuJ3

📞 Call in:
872-701-0185 (Conf code: 512220415)

We hope to see you there!

Women Veterans of Wisconsin

08/20/2026

🛎️ RINGING THE BELL🛎️

Congratulations U.S. Air Force Veteran Chris DiPaola, who rang the bell this afternoon signifying the completion of his chemotherapy and removal of his tumors.

He served 11 years and continued his career in communication and computer systems once he left the military. The Hartford resident had cancer in his bile ducts - but no more! He celebrated with his wife, Carrie, and his fan club/cheering section from our Infusion Clinic.

He said he was so appreciative of everyone that has cared for him, "They fought for us. When we didn't know what to ask, they asked for us."

Congrats, sir 🇺🇸🫡!

08/17/2026

🌼 Congratulations DAISY Award recipient, Phillip Lapuz! 🌼

Our Rockford VA Clinic nurse was nominated by a colleague:

“Phillip is always there for help with a kind, easy manner, putting myself and my Veterans at ease when he is called to my office for any triage situation.

🎯Integrity - Phillip is responsive to the needs of Veterans and provides more information than they knew they needed (transportation info, emergency visit numbers, etc.)

🎯Commitment - Phillip responds when called or will provide an alternative if he is not available. He is aware of every aspect of nursing I have inquired about for our Veterans.

🎯 Advocacy - Phillip recognizes the need for triage care that may arise in the Mental Health & Alcohol Dependence Treatment Program appointments and ensures care is provided, questions are answered and referrals or consultation are completed for the Veteran's best care.

🎯Respect - Phillip is always polite, respectful, uses empathy and validation when talking with our Veterans.

🎯Excellence - Phillip ensures he is providing care needed and often goes above and beyond.”

Join us in congratulating our latest Award winner! 🙌
(Recognize an employee here: www.va.gov/madison.../programs/employee-recognition/

08/15/2026

Thank you to the women Veterans who joined us for our recent R.A.D. self-defense class at Madison VA Hospital!

Chief Kelly Backhaus, a U.S. Army Veteran, and Officer Stacy Niles, a U.S. Army Veteran and current Army National Guard member, led the class. Both are Madison VA police officers who brought real-world experience, trauma-informed training and a commitment to helping women Veterans build practical self-defense skills.

Participants learned how to spot threats early, lower their risk in everyday situations and defend themselves with hands-on techniques made for all fitness levels. R.A.D. is a nationally recognized, empowerment-based self-defense program for women.

Stay tuned for future offerings, but if you'd like us to put you on a waiting list, send us a private message with your email address.