VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

06/03/2026

Getting high quality sleep is key for good health. Learn how to improve your sleep and maximize your health at https://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Sleep_Well.asp.

06/02/2026

For help managing the challenges and stressors of everyday life, join VA’s free, phone-based Mindfulness Meditation class. Each class covers a topic related to mindfulness, followed by a guided meditation practice.

Classes are 11a.m. to noon ET on:

June 5
Aug. 7
Sept. 4
Oct. 2
Nov. 6
Dec. 4

For details on how to join, download the PDF at https://www.warrelatedillness.va.gov/WaRRELATEDILLNESS/education/local-offerings/support/MindfulMeditationFlyer.pdf.

06/02/2026

Have you downloaded our Couples Coach App? Couples can improve communication and build trust in their relationship. Try exercises to practice active listening so you can navigate conflict better with your partner. https://mobile.va.gov/app/couples-coach

06/01/2026

Meet Jim Foster, cook with Nutrition and Food Services at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System (VAPHS).

Q. Are you (or a family member) a Veteran?
A. Both me and my father are Veterans. I served for 20 years as a career cook and retired as an E-5. My service was diverse and includes active-duty Navy, 87-91; Army Guard, 94-98; Navy Reserve, 2003-2006; and Air Guard, 2006-2017.

Q. Tell us a little about your job at VA Pittsburgh.
A. I cook for all the inpatients at VAPHS – that’s about 300 each meal, or 900 meals a day.

Q. Why did you want to work at VA, and how long have you been at VA Pittsburgh?
A. I wanted to work for Veterans and give back. Starting at the Butler VA in housekeeping during July 2018, transferring to VAPHS University Drive in housekeeping during November 2018. In July 2019, I transferred to my current position, serving for a total of 8 years in VA.

Q. What is your favorite part of your job at VA Pittsburgh?
A. Making nutritious meals; it is all about my fellow Veterans.

Q. What is one thing that Veterans should know about VA that most don’t?
A. Just the shear resources available to Veterans. All you have to do is ask, and someone will help you get to the right place.

Q. Where are you from originally?
A. I grew up in Baldwin and still live three minutes from the house I grew up in.

Q. When you are not at work, what would we most likely find you doing?
A. If the Pens are playing at home, I will always be at the igloo. I also enjoy eating out at my favorite restaurant, in Whitehall (South Hills).

Q. What is your favorite or dream vacation?
A. Hawaii for the 80 degrees, sunshine, mai tais and no worries.

06/01/2026

For 80 years, VA health care has been shaped by research and informed by Veterans’ experience, setting the foundation for a future of exceptional health care.
Every study and every advancement builds on the one before it—pushing Veteran care forward.

06/01/2026

05/31/2026

If you’re trying to cut back on ni****ne this summer, you can explore coping strategies, relaxation exercises and more with the Stay Quit Coach app. Create goals, log your daily progress and view your savings to stay motivated at https://mobile.va.gov/app/stay-quit-coach.

Our tobacco-cessation programs here at VA Pittsburgh include a virtual class and other resources that are available at all our locations, including our outpatient clinics. To learn more, call 412-360-1720 or visit https://www.va.gov/pittsburgh-health-care/health-services/mental-health-care/.

05/31/2026

It can be really hard to ask for help. But we all need it sometimes. responders are here for you 24/7/365. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

05/30/2026

Celebrate life with a homemade savory breakfast! Check out this nutrient-packed veggie frittata on the VA recipe page.

https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/docs/Recipes/Breakfast/StoveToOvenVegetableFrittataNOV2022.pdf #

05/29/2026

Do you have asthma or any other respiratory problems from your deployments? You can get top-notch personalized care through our Deployment-Related Respiratory Disease Clinic. Learn more about how this clinic is changing Veterans’ lives for the better at https://www.va.gov/pittsburgh-health-care/stories/from-front-lines-to-flightlines-veterans-get-quality-care-at-vaphs-clinic/.

Veterans with asthma and other respiratory problems can get top-notch personalized care through VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s (VAPHS) Deployment-Related Respiratory Disease Clinic.