New Orleans Veterans Medical Center

07/23/2026

Veterans,

Now that Tropical Storm Bertha has moved out of the New Orleans VA’s catchment area, we are happy to report that we have received no damage and there has been no disruption to our healthcare operations.

However, if you have received any damage or need assistance due to the storm we would like to know and be able to provide assistance. Please call our Social Work Service at 504-507-2000 Ex. 66188.

If you believe that you will not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment please, feel free to call your clinic or the SLVHCS main line at 800-935-8387 to reschedule.

If you need care please, call VA Health Connect at 833-363-1063.

You also have the option of checking and changing appointments by using the MyHealtheVet app.

07/23/2026

Veterans,

We will be having a town hall next month where we will be discussing, “Choose VA.” However, we want your input. Please look over the attached material and tell us what you think. Would you choose VA over another health organization? Why or why not?

Respond to this post or email [email protected] Subject Line: Choose VA.

07/21/2026

Veterans,

Lets talk about the Fisher House.

07/21/2026

Veterans,

Tropical Storm Bertha’s track has it moving on a westerly track and is anticipated to make landfall Wednesday evening early Thursday. The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System is currently not planning on closing any Community Based Outpatient Clinics and will maintain all currently scheduled appointments.

Bertha is anticipated to bring minor to moderate storm surge flooding, strong/gusty winds, and some potential for locally heavy rainfall to portions of the area Wednesday through Thursday morning - with the greatest impacts across immediate coastal areas.

This storm is forecast to be very lopsided with most of the rain/strong winds/etc on the southern side of the storm. This should keep the greatest impact across the Gulf however, if the storm tracks farther north, some of the more impactful weather will move onshore.

We would like to remind our Nations Veterans to exercise caution while driving in rainy conditions and be mindful of possible localized flooding. Never drive around barricades or through a flooded roadway. Floodwater can conceal open manholes, damaged pavement, and downed electrical lines.

As a precaution, Veterans should charge phones and backup batteries, secure outdoor furniture, and prepare food, water and supplies for yourself, family members, and pets.

Louisiana parishes have announced sandbag locations ahead of Tropical Storm Bertha. For more information, please utilize the link below.

https://www.wdsu.com/article/southeast-louisiana-sandbag-list-july/73180434

If you believe that you will not be able to make it to your appointment please, feel free to call your clinic or the SLVHCS main line at 800-935-8387 to reschedule.

If you need care please, call VA Health Connect at 833-363-1063.

You also have the option of checking and changing appointments by using the MyHealtheVet app.

07/17/2026

Veterans,

Dr. Lee Payne, Deputy Under Secretary for Health, visited the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System Wednesday, July 15, 2026. During his visit he spoke with other Veterans Integrated Service Networks members and leadership during a NOLA U meeting.

NOLA U is a training conference open to all VA facilities geared to teach them the skills necessary to care for the Nations Veterans.

Later, he had a “Fireside Discussion,” with other facility leaders where he spoke on the challenges of the VA’s reorganization and listened to their concerns.

Next he had a meeting with the executive leadership team and enjoyed a facility tour. During the tour he visited the Emergency Department, Radiology, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, visited Veterans staying in inpatient wards and coined members of the SLVHCS staff for their outstanding performance in their assigned duties.

Dr. Payne was impressed by the level of care and professionalism of the SLVHCS employees and was also overjoyed by the care the Nations Veterans received here.

07/08/2026

Veterans,
Here is our latest town hall, July 7, 2026. In this post you will find slides and video.

07/05/2026

Veterans,

The Baton Rouge Vet Center located at 5423 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70816, was reported to be on fire Sunday, July 5th, prompting immediate closure. No one was injured and the incident is still under investigation.

The Vet Center provides counseling services for Veterans, service members, and their families. Vet Center operations will be accommodated temporarily at the VA Baton Rouge South Community Based Outpatient Clinic located at 7850 Anselmo Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70810-1101.

07/04/2026

Veterans,

Happy Independence Day, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System celebrated with our 10th Annual Salute to the Flag event. It was a patriotic start to this important day full of great events. We had approximately 60 Veterans and family members here to listen to a patriotic music performed by the American Legion Post 377 band, a patriotic speech by Jack Gootee the acting Medical Center Director/CEO and later we all enjoyed food donated by the Elks Lodge #30. While it was warm at the event The knights of Columbus Assembly #3226 donate fans to keep everyone cool. The capstone portion of the event was the playing of the National Anthem as the flag was being raised by U.S. Navy Veteran Ruth Goldberg.

We at the VA are thankful for the sacrifices of our Veterans, our great employees and this amazing country that we honor here today.

Thank you for what you do and Happy 4th of July!

07/02/2026

Veterans,

As we move into the heat of summer in Southeast Louisiana, it is important to know and understand the impact heat can have on you, your family, and our Veterans. Those who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may experience occupational heat stress. Occupational heat stress is the combination of metabolic heat, environmental heat, clothing, and personal protective equipment (PPE), which results in increased heat storage within the body. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, in 2023 there were 88 deaths and over 6,000 Emergency Room visits in Louisiana due to heat related casualties.

We want to keep everyone informed on the types of heat injuries, what can happen and how to treat/respond to someone who is experiencing a heat casualty. For the next few days, we will highlight a different heat injury for your awareness and understanding.

Heat stress can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rashes.

Heat stroke
Symptoms
• Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness (coma)
• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
• Seizures
• Very high body temperature
• Fatal if treatment delayed
First aid
• Call 911 for emergency medical care.
• Stay with the worker until emergency medical services arrive.
• Move the worker to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
• Cool the worker quickly, using the following methods:
o With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
o Wet the skin
o Place cold wet cloths on the skin
o Soak clothing with cool water
• Circulate the air around the worker to speed cooling.
• Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.

If you do suffer heat stroke or are feeling sick contact the VA Health Connect at 833-363-1063.

07/01/2026