Page 16 - Desert Oracle February 2022

SAVAHCS COVID-19 UPDATE

• The Nation is currently experiencing a surge of COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases due primarily
to the Omicron variant- If you are fully vaccinated, and especially, if you've received your booster shot,
you have a high degree of protection against severe illness. Vaccinated people who get COVID-19 are
likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. It is highly encouraged to get a booster shot as soon as
possible.
• SAVAHCS COVID-19 Visitor Policy Subject to Change - Due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases
within Arizona, our visitor policy is subject to change at any time. We will keep all our stakeholders
informed of these changes via our Tip of the Week email, SAVAHCS social media, and our public website
• To get the latest information COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates at the SAVAHCS, you can visit the
Department of Veterans Affairs COVID-19 National Summary Web Page at
https://www.accesstocare.va.gov/Healthcare/COVID19NationalSummary.
• The Arizona Department of Health Services data dashboard provides the most up-to-date information on
the spread of COVID-19 in Arizona. It can be accessed HERE
• Masking requirements remain in place for both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated employees,
patients, and visitors at the SAVAHCS facilities across southern Arizona.

4 MISSION
th
• 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.
• SAVAHCS has 4 beds available through the COVID-19 Arizona surge line
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

• Expanding the Mental Health Clinic in Building 90 (13,000 square feet)
o Remodel Agave Clinic into a PACT model
o New Entry into MH Clinic, create a Vet Waiting Area, and Vet Break Room
• Renovating the Pathology Services area in Building 38 (currently 70% completed)
• We are in the design phase of remodeling the Emergency Department in Building 50
o Adding a CT and X-Ray suite

PROGRAM OF COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVER EXPANSION

• Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers will provide an additional year for eligibility
and reassessment of certain participants.
• This extension applies to Veterans who were participating in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance
for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) before Oct.1, 2020, individuals who applied for PCAFC before Oct.1,
2020 and those who were accepted into the program after Oct.1, 2020.
• The extension will provide VA an additional year to conduct required reassessments of this cohort. To
learn more about the additional year of eligibility, click HERE.