Page 16 - Desert Oracle June 2021

• DAV 9 Annual State Convention- June 9-12
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• Women’s Health Town Hall- June 17 (5:00 pm- 6:00 pm)
o Dial 1-833-380-0409 or access the streaming link at access.live/vatucson.
• SAVAHCS Homeless/Landlord event- June 18

SAVAHCS COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS AND VACCINE UPDATE

• In May, VA Secretary Denis McDonough sent out updated masking guidance for VA
Employees, Contractors, and Visitors in Non-Health Care Settings, which is loosening
masking protocols for fully vaccinated individuals in VA buildings NOT providing health
care.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced updated
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. For the time
being, masking requirements remain in place for both fully vaccinated and
unvaccinated employees, patients, and visitors at the SAVAHCS.
o If you have not yet been vaccinated for COVID-19 there is no better time. Walk-in
without an appointment Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Building 3 at the
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System or call 520-629-4729.
o The CDC has provided information for fully vaccinated people regarding resuming
activities except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws,
rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

4 MISSION
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• The SAVAHCS has an agreement with Indian Health services (IHS) to provide 4 beds (2
COVID and 2 non- COVID), based on bed availability through 2021

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

• Northwest CBOC is currently under construction; the new Northwest CBOC should be
ready for occupancy in late 2021
o 29 exam rooms
o 3 procedure rooms
o 9 primary care teams
• We are expanding the Mental Health Clinic in Building 90 (13,000 square feet)
o Remodel Agave Clinic into a PACT model
o New Entry Way, create a Vet Waiting Area, and Vet Break Room

• We are renovating the Pathology Services area in Building 38 (currently 70% completed)
• We are remodeling the Emergency Department in Building 50
o Adding a CT and X-Ray suite

NATIONAL VHA NEWS