For information about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at VA NorCal, please visit our vaccine page.

VA Northern California Health Care System facilities in Mather, Chico, Fairfield, Mare Island, Martinez, McClellan, Oakland, Redding, Sierra Foothills, Yreka and Yuba City are open and operating as usual. In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, information on our operations will be shared on this page.

If you're planning to visit one of our facilities, please visit www.northerncalifornia.va.gov/patients/prepare.asp.

Veterans who require immediate urgent care services can contact our call center at 1-800-382-VETS for 24/7 support. This service is not to be confused with emergency services. 

If you are a Veteran in crisis, there are specially trained responders ready to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 800-273-8255 and Press 1.

Sign-up for automatic email updates by filling in your email address in the “Emergency Email Updates” section, located at the top right corner of this page.

For up-to-date information about VA NorCal, please check this page, the VA Northern California Health Care System's Facebook page or VA Northern California Health Care System's Twitter page.

To learn about preparedness kits, family emergency plans and more, please visit www.ready.gov/.

If you're planning to visit one of our facilities, please visit www.northerncalifornia.va.gov/patients/prepare.asp.

Veterans who require immediate urgent care services can contact our call center at 1-800-382-VETS for 24/7 support. This service is not to be confused with emergency services. 

If you are a Veteran in crisis, there are specially trained responders ready to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 800-273-8255 and Press 1.

Sign-up for automatic email updates by filling in your email address in the “Emergency Email Updates” section, located at the top right corner of this page.

For up-to-date information about VA NorCal, please check this page, the VA Northern California Health Care System's Facebook page or VA Northern California Health Care System's Twitter page.

To learn about preparedness kits, family emergency plans and more, please visit www.ready.gov/.  

If you're planning to visit one of our facilities, please visit www.northerncalifornia.va.gov/patients/prepare.asp.

Veterans who require immediate urgent care services can contact our call center at 1-800-382-VETS for 24/7 support. This service is not to be confused with emergency services. 

If you are a Veteran in crisis, there are specially trained responders ready to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year by calling 800-273-8255 and Press 1.

Sign-up for automatic email updates by filling in your email address in the “Emergency Email Updates” section, located at the top right corner of this page.

For up-to-date information about VA NorCal, please check this page, the VA Northern California Health Care System's Facebook page or VA Northern California Health Care System's Twitter page.

To learn about preparedness kits, family emergency plans and more, please visit www.ready.gov/.

Situation Update

As of Friday, June 12, 2020 3:09 PM PDT

All  VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

Updated Aug. 24, 10 a.m.

Two large wildfires are growing across the VA Northern California Health Care System coverage area: the LNU Complex Fire (Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Yolo,, and Solano counties) and the SCU Lightning Complex Fire (Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus counties). Below are guidance and resources for Veterans and VA staff impacted by the fires.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

• Most VA NorCal health care sites remain operational and continue to provide a full range of health care services to Veteran patients with medical appointments.
• Drive-up, outside services at all VA NorCal sites are suspended until further notice. These curbside and outdoor services include on-demand COVID-19 testing, lab, pharmacy, and immunization services.
• Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
• Veterans who plan to visit a VA NorCal health care site should consider contacting that facility directly for guidance specific to your location. Find facilities’ contact information at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov.
• You can check air quality in your area here (SCU Fire/Bay Area) or here (LNU Fire/Sacramento region).
• The CDC offers guidance on smoke precautions specific to COVID-19 here.
• To monitor any of the wildfires and evacuation orders across the state, please visit the CAL FIRE incident page at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents or the CAL FIRE Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE.
• VA NorCal’s Homeless Veteran program is working with county homeless authorities to provide services to homeless Veterans impacted by the fires. To access VA services for homeless and at-risk Veterans, please call 1-877-424-3838.

LNU FIRE INFORMATION

• The Fairfield VA Outpatient Clinic on Travis Air Force Base remains closed until further notice. VA NorCal personnel are in contact with patients in order to reschedule their appointments.
• If you are unable to get a hold of a loved one in Solano County, please contact the county’s Missing Persons Unit at (707) 784-1613 or (707) 784-1607.
• Evacuation zip codes as of 8:30 a.m., Aug. 24:

o   Solano

• 95688
• 94534

o   Yolo

• 95637

o   Napa

• 94558
• 94574
• 94567
• Evacuation centers are as follows:

o   Napa County:

• Crosswalk Community Church
  2590 First Street, Napa

o   Sonoma County (Temporary Evacuation Points)

• Santa Rosa Fairgrounds

1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

• Petaluma Veterans Building
  1094 Petaluma Blvd.

South Petaluma

o   Lake County:

• Kelseyville High School Parking lot (Temporary Evacuation Point)
  5480 Main Street, Kelseyville, CA

o   Solano County:

• All closed

o   Animal sites

• Napa County Animal Shelter, 942 Hartle Court, Napa
• Valley Brook Equestrian Center, 1132 El Centro Ave. Napa
• Napa Valley Horseman’s Assoc., 1200 Foster Road, Napa
• Vallejo Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (large animals)
• Kelseyville High School Parking lot, 5480 Main Street, Kelseyville

SCU FIRE INFORMATION

o   Alameda

• 94539
• 94586
• 94550

o   Creekside Middle School, 535 Peregrine Drive, Patterson

o   Milpitas Library, 160 N. Main Street, Milpitas

o   Ann Sobrato High School – Performing Arts Building, 401 Burnett Ave., Morgan Hill

o   County of Santa Clara Animal Services, 408-686-3900

o   Horses & Livestock Holding: 925-584-1976

o   Alameda County Animal Services: 925-803-7041

Updated Aug. 21 a.m.

• Due to the evacuation of Travis Air Force Base, the Fairfield VA Outpatient Clinic is closed until further notice. VA NorCal personnel are contacting patients with appointments to reschedule.
• Drive-up, outside services at all VA NorCal sites are suspended until further notice. These curbside and outdoor services include on-demand COVID-19 testing, lab, pharmacy, and immunization services.
• Most VA NorCal health care sites remain fully operational and continue to provide a full range of health care services to Veteran patients with medical appointments.

• Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
• If you are unable to get a hold of a loved one in Solano County, please contact the county’s Missing Persons Unit at (707) 784-1613 or (707) 784-1607.
• Evacuation centers are as follows. Please visit the CAL FIRE LNU Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRELNU/ for updates on evacuations and shelters:

• Napa County:

Crosswalk Community Church
2590 First Street, Napa

• Sonoma County:

Santa Rosa Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa

• Lake County:

Temporary Evacuation Points set up at old airstrip of Highway 53 in Clearlake

o   Vacaville:

McBride Senior Center, 91 Town Square Place, Vacaville (beds available)
Ulatis Community Center, 1000 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville (beds available)
Will C. Wood High School, 998 Marshall Road, Vacaville (Closed)
Vacaville Ice Rink, 551 Davis Street, Vacaville (Closed)
Sierra Vista School, 301 Bel Air Drive Vacaville (Closed)

o   Fairfield/Suisun:

Joseph Nelson Community Center, 611 Village Center Drive, Suisun (beds available)
Rodriguez High School, 5000 Red Top Rd., Fairfield (closed)
Lambrecht Sports Complex, Lambrecht Drive, Suisun (closed)
Old Walmart Parking Lot, 300 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield (No beds-parking spots for trailers, cars)
Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, 2948 Rockville Road, Fairfield (service animals only) (please do not bring meat for consumption) (Evacuation center--space to evacuate but no beds)

o   Animal sites:

Napa County Animal Shelter, 942 Hartle Court, Napa
Vallejo Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (large animals)
Solano County Animal Shelter, 2510 Claybank Road (small animals only)
Dixon Fairgrounds, 655 S. First Street, Dixon (large and small animals)

• VA NorCal personnel are regularly monitoring air quality inside and outside our health care facilities across the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.
• Drive-up and screening processes might be modified at facilities with poor air quality.
• HEPA filters, R95 masks, and other air-quality measures are being implemented at VA NorCal sites most directly impacted by the fire.
• Veterans who plan to visit a VA NorCal health care site should consider contacting that facility directly for guidance specific to your location. You can find facilities’ contact information on the VA NorCal website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov.
• To monitor fires and evacuation orders across the state, please visit the CAL FIRE incident page at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents or the CAL FIRE Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE.
• For VA NorCal updates regarding the wildfire’s impact on Veteran health care, visit our website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vanchcs.

 ________________________________________________________________________________________

With the exception of Fairfield OPC, all VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19.

Below are the latest resources and guidance for Veterans impacted by the LNU Lightning Complex fires:

• Late in the evening on Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Air Force made the decision to evacuate Travis Air Force base, in Fairfield, including David Grant Medical Center and the VA’s Fairfield Clinic. Therefore, the Fairfield VA Outpatient Clinic will be closed until further notice. VA NorCal personnel are contacting those with appointments to reschedule and reach out to impacted Veterans in the area.
• Due to the heat and impaired air quality from wildfire smoke, drive-up, outside services at all VA NorCal sites are suspended until further notice. These curbside and outdoor services include on-demand COVID-19 testing, lab, pharmacy, and immunization services.
• VA NorCal health care sites remain fully operational, however, and continue to provide a full range of health care services to Veteran patients with medical appointments.
• Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
• If you are unable to get a hold of a loved one in Solano County, please contact the county’s Missing Persons Unit at (707) 784-1613 or (707) 784-1607.
• Evacuation centers are as follows (updated Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). Please visit the Solano County Sheriff’s Dept. Twitter site for evacuation and shelter updates at https://twitter.com/SolanoSheriff):

o   Vacaville:

Vacaville Ice Rink, 551 Davis Street, Vacaville (Evacuation center--space to evacuate but no beds)
McBride Senior Center, 91 Town Square Place, Vacaville (Shelter with beds available)
Sierra Vista School- 301 Bel Air Drive Vacaville (Evacuation center--space to evacuate but no beds)
Ulatis Community Center, 1000 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville (Shelter with beds available)
Will C. Wood High School, 998 Marshall Road, Vacaville (Shelter with beds available)

o   Fairfield/Suisun:

Joseph Nelson Community Center, 611 Village Center Drive, Suisun (FULL)
Rodriguez High School, 5000 Red Top Rd., Fairfield (Shelter with beds available)
Lambrecht Sports Complex, Lambrecht Drive, Suisun (No beds-parking spots for trailers, cars)
Old Walmart Parking Lot, 300 Chadbourne Road, Fairfield (No beds-parking spots for trailers, cars)
Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, 2948 Rockville Road, Fairfield (service animals only) (please do not bring meat for consumption) (Evacuation center--space to evacuate but no beds)

o   Animal sites:

Vallejo Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo (large animals OK)
Solano County Animal Shelter, 2510 Claybank Road (small animals only)

 ________________________________________________________________________________________

With the exception of Fairfield OPC, all VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19.

• Late in the evening on Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Air Force made the decision to evacuate Travis Air Force base, in Fairfield, including David Grant Medical Center and the VA’s Fairfield Clinic. Therefore, the Fairfield VA Outpatient Clinic will be closed until further notice. VA NorCal personnel are contacting those with appointments to reschedule and reach out to impacted Veterans in the area.
• Due to the heat and impaired air quality from wildfire smoke, drive-up, outside services at all VA NorCal sites are suspended until further notice. These curbside and outdoor services include on-demand COVID-19 testing, lab, pharmacy, and immunization services.
• • VA NorCal health care sites remain fully operational, however, and continue to provide a full range of health care services to Veteran patients with medical appointments.
  • Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
  • Evacuation centers are as follows (updated Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). Please visit the Solano County Sheriff’s Dept. Twitter site for evacuation and shelter updates at https://twitter.com/SolanoSheriff):

   

  • Vacaville:

  Vacaville Ice Rink - 551 Davis Street, Vacaville CA 95688 McBride Senior Center - 91 Town Square Pl, Vacaville, CA 95688 (McBride is a 24/hr shelter with beds) Ulatis Community Center - 1000 Ulatis Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687 (Ulatis is a 24/hr shelter with beds)

  • Fairfield/Suisun:

  Joseph Nelson Community Center - 611 Village Center Dr, Suisun City, CA 94585 Lambrecht Sports Complex - Lambrecht Dr, Suisun City, CA 94584 (trailers, large animals accepted) Old Walmart Parking Lot - 300 Chadbourne Rd, Fairfield, CA 94533 Guru Nanak Sikh Temple* – 2948 Rockville Rd, Fairfield, CA 94533 (*service animals accepted, please do not bring meat for consumption at this site)

  • Animal sites: Vallejo Fairgrounds - 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589 (large animals are being accepted) Solano County Animal Shelter - 2510 Claybank Road (small animals are being accepted)

   

  • VA NorCal personnel are regularly monitoring air quality inside and outside our health care facilities across the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.
  • Drive-up and screening processes might be modified at facilities with poor air quality.
  • HEPA filters, R95 masks, and other air-quality measures are being implemented at VA NorCal sites most directly impacted by the fire.
  • Veterans who plan to visit a VA NorCal health care site in the near future should consider contacting that facility directly for guidance specific to your location. You can find facilities’ contact information on the VA NorCal website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov.
  • To monitor fires and evacuation orders across the state, please visit the CAL FIRE incident page at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents or the CAL FIRE Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE.
  • For VA NorCal updates regarding the wildfire’s impact on Veteran health care, visit our website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vanchcs.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________


All VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

• Due to the heat and impaired air quality from wildfire smoke, drive-up, outside services at all VA NorCal sites are suspended until further notice. These curbside and outdoor services include on-demand COVID-19 testing, lab, pharmacy, and immunization services.

• VA NorCal health care sites remain fully operational, however, and continue to provide a full range of health care services to Veteran patients with medical appointments.

• Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
• Evacuation centers are as follows (updated Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). Please visit the Solano County Sheriff’s Dept. Twitter site for evacuation and shelter updates at https://twitter.com/SolanoSheriff):

• Vacaville:

Vacaville Ice Rink - 551 Davis Street, Vacaville CA 95688 McBride Senior Center - 91 Town Square Pl, Vacaville, CA 95688 (McBride is a 24/hr shelter with beds) Ulatis Community Center - 1000 Ulatis Dr, Vacaville, CA 95687 (Ulatis is a 24/hr shelter with beds)

• Fairfield/Suisun:

Joseph Nelson Community Center - 611 Village Center Dr, Suisun City, CA 94585 Lambrecht Sports Complex - Lambrecht Dr, Suisun City, CA 94584 (trailers, large animals accepted) Old Walmart Parking Lot - 300 Chadbourne Rd, Fairfield, CA 94533 Guru Nanak Sikh Temple* – 2948 Rockville Rd, Fairfield, CA 94533 (*service animals accepted, please do not bring meat for consumption at this site)

• Animal sites: Vallejo Fairgrounds - 900 Fairgrounds Dr, Vallejo, CA 94589 (large animals are being accepted) Solano County Animal Shelter - 2510 Claybank Road (small animals are being accepted)VA NorCal personnel are regularly monitoring air quality inside and outside our health care facilities across the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.
• Drive-up and screening processes might be modified at facilities with poor air quality.
• HEPA filters, R95 masks, and other air-quality measures are being implemented at VA NorCal sites most directly impacted by the fire.
• Veterans who plan to visit a VA NorCal health care site in the near future should consider contacting that facility directly for guidance specific to your location. You can find facilities’ contact information on the VA NorCal website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov.
• To monitor fires and evacuation orders across the state, please visit the CAL FIRE incident page at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents or the CAL FIRE Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE.
• For VA NorCal updates regarding the wildfire’s impact on Veteran health care, visit our website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vanchcs.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________


All VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

• VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) facilities in the region are fully operational, at present.
• Impacted or evacuated Veterans who need VA health care assistance should contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS (8387).
• Evacuation centers are as follows (updated Wednesday morning (Aug. 19). Please visit the Solano County Sheriff’s Dept. Twitter site for evacuation and shelter updates at https://twitter.com/SolanoSheriff):
• Ulatis Community Center at 1000 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville
• McBride Senior Center at 91 Town Square Place, Vacaville
• Joseph Nelson Community Center at 611 Village Dr., Suisan
• Large animals can be taken to the Solano County Fairgrounds in Vallejo.
• Small pets can be taken to the Solano County Animal Shelter, 2510 Clay Bank Rd., Fairfield
• VA NorCal personnel are regularly monitoring air quality inside and outside our health care facilities across the Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.
• Drive-up and screening processes might be modified at facilities with poor air quality.
• HEPA filters, R95 masks, and other air-quality measures are being implemented at VA NorCal sites most directly impacted by the fire.
• Veterans who plan to visit a VA NorCal health care site in the near future should consider contacting that facility directly for guidance specific to your location. You can find facilities’ contact information on the VA NorCal website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov.
• To monitor fires and evacuation orders across the state, please visit the CAL FIRE incident page at www.fire.ca.gov/incidents or the CAL FIRE Twitter feed at https://twitter.com/CAL_FIRE.
• For VA NorCal updates regarding the wildfire’s impact on Veteran health care, visit our website at www.northerncalifornia.va.gov or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/vanchcs.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________


All VA NCHCS Medical Center facilities are operating on their normal schedules with limited services.  

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

Beginning Monday, June 8, VA Northern California will begin expanding its in-person appointments for routine care. That said, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure to COVID-19 among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical we continue to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community.

Appointments: We are asking that if you would like an appointment at a VA NorCal facility, please contact our Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS beforehand to discuss appointment options. While there is a limited expansion of services offered to Veterans, we continue to encourage Veterans use phone or video appointments, when possible.

Screening: VA NorCal continues to conduct thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screenings at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at most of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Visitor policy: To access a VA NorCal facility, visitors (non-patients) must be both 18 years or older and necessary for the in-person care of a patient (there are a few exceptions which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases across Northern California, it is critical to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff and conserve critical resources. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community:

Earlier this month, VA NorCal began conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment. We are also barring access to all visitors under 16 (except in rare instances when they are visiting a loved one in palliative or hospice care). In addition, VA NorCal patients will receive no visitors unless their in-person presence is necessary for care of a patient with few exceptions (which will be made on a case-by-case basis).

VA NorCal is also evaluating  each future scheduled appointment to discern if the appointment can be converted to a phone or video appointment or be rescheduled for a later date. If the timeliness of the appointment is medically necessary and can be performed only in person, then the appointment will be maintained. In addition, referrals to non-VA health care providers in the community for non-emergent/urgent needs will be suspended until further notice.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you should anticipate being contacted by a VA NorCal representative to further discuss your appointment options - phone/video appointment, rescheduling for a later date, or maintaining your in-person appointment. If you are not contacted by us before your appointment, we ask you reach out to your VA NorCal care team to confirm your appointment before arriving at our facilities. You can also contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss appointment options.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases across Northern California, it is critical to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff and conserve critical resources. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community:

Earlier this month, VA NorCal began conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment. We are also barring access to all visitors under 16 (except in rare instances when they are visiting a loved one in palliative or hospice care).

VA NorCal is also evaluating  each future scheduled appointment to discern if the appointment can be converted to a phone or video appointment or be rescheduled for a later date. If the timeliness of the appointment is medically necessary and can be performed only in person, then the appointment will be maintained. In addition, referrals to non-VA health care providers in the community for non-emergent/urgent needs will be suspended until further notice.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you should anticipate being contacted by a VA NorCal representative to further discuss your appointment options - phone/video appointment, rescheduling for a later date, or maintaining your in-person appointment. If you are not contacted by us before your appointment, we ask you reach out to your VA NorCal care team to confirm your appointment before arriving at our facilities. You can also contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss appointment options.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases across Northern California, it is critical to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff and conserve critical resources. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community:

Earlier this month, VA NorCal began conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment. We are also barring access to all visitors under 16 (except in rare instances when they are visiting a loved one in palliative or hospice care).

VA NorCal is also evaluating  each future scheduled appointment to discern if the appointment can be converted to a phone or video appointment or be rescheduled for a later date. If the timeliness of the appointment is medically necessary and can be performed only in person, then the appointment will be maintained. In addition, referrals to non-VA health care providers in the community for non-emergent/urgent needs will be suspended until further notice.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you should anticipate being contacted by a VA NorCal representative to further discuss your appointment options - phone/video appointment, rescheduling for a later date, or maintaining your in-person appointment. If you are not contacted by us before your appointment, we ask you reach out to your VA NorCal care team to confirm your appointment before arriving at our facilities. You can also contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss appointment options.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions page. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

As the number of cases of COVID-19 increases across Northern California, it is critical to minimize exposure among our Veteran patients and VA staff and conserve critical resources. Therefore, VA Northern California Health Care System is taking these steps toward protecting the health and well-being of the Veteran community:

Earlier this month, VA NorCal began conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at each of our 12 sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment. We are also barring access to all visitors under 16 (except in rare instances when they are visiting a loved one in palliative or hospice care).

Beginning Wednesday, March 18, VA NorCal will begin to evaluate each future scheduled appointment to discern if the appointment can be converted to a phone or video appointment or be rescheduled for a later date. If the timeliness of the appointment is medically necessary and can be performed only in person, then the appointment will be maintained. In addition, referrals to non-VA health care providers in the community for non-emergent/urgent needs will be suspended until further notice.

If you have an upcoming appointment, you should anticipate being contacted by a VA NorCal representative to further discuss your appointment options - phone/video appointment, rescheduling for a later date, or maintaining your in-person appointment. If you are not contacted by us before your appointment, we ask you reach out to your VA NorCal care team to confirm your appointment before arriving at our facilities. You can also contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss appointment options.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Public Health Website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

VA NorCal has begun conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at our sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who will screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment.

Please note before visiting a VA NorCal medical center or clinic that we have chosen to deny access to all persons under the age of 16 in order to protect the most vulnerable populations from COVID-19 exposure. Those aged 16-18 years of age will be screened alongside all adult visitors. Rare exceptions will be made for some under the age of 16 (for example, those visiting a loved one in hospice); in such instances, determinations will be made by our clinical teams on a case-by-case basis.

A process is in place to report and track Veterans and staff who screen positively for COVID-19. Those individuals will be escorted through a process that ensures they receive high-quality, compassionate care and that also protects other Veterans, staff, and visitors.

We realize this screening process might slow access to our sites, but it is a necessary precaution to protect our Veterans and staff. We ask that patients arrive early for their appointments and that VA staff arrive early for work, as well.

We encourage all patients and visitors with flu-like symptoms to remain home and contact your VA provider or contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss your symptoms and explore alternate appointment options, including telehealth virtual appointments.

And although the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, Veterans and their caregivers should help limit the spread of disease by taking preventative actions:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Public Health Website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

VA NorCal has begun conducting a thorough COVID-19 (coronavirus) screening process at our sites of care. We have restricted access to only one or two points of entry at each of our buildings. Near those entries, we have stationed VA personnel who will screen each patient, staff, or visitor for symptoms that require further assessment. We are also banning access to all persons under the age of 18 in order to protect the most vulnerable populations from COVID-19 exposure.

A process is in place to report and track Veterans and staff who screen positively for COVID-19. Those individuals will be escorted through a process that ensures they receive high-quality, compassionate care and that also protects other Veterans, staff, and visitors.

We realize this screening process might slow access to our sites, but it is a necessary precaution to protect our Veterans and staff. We ask that patients arrive early for their appointments and that VA staff arrive early for work, as well.

We encourage all patients and visitors with flu-like symptoms to remain home and contact your VA provider or contact the VA NorCal Call Center at 1-800-382-VETS to discuss your symptoms and explore alternate appointment options, including telehealth virtual appointments.

And although the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains low, Veterans and their caregivers should help limit the spread of disease by taking preventative actions:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soapy water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

For more information on the VA COVID-19 response, please visit VA’s Public Health Website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also continues to provide updates and insight from medical professionals about how to protect you and your family from COVID-19. 

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

Beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020, all staff, Veteran patients, and visitors at VA Northern California Health Care Sites will be screened at points of entry across our campuses. The screening will consist of a few simple questions about possible symptoms and recent travel.

Those presenting with symptoms or who meet other criteria will be given guidance on next steps by the screening personnel. Those who have no symptoms or who do not meet the other criteria will be provided a sticker or wristband and granted entry. While VA NorCal has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19 among its Veteran patients or staff, this is a necessary step in discouraging exposure among our Veterans and staff moving forward. We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we work through this process.

Please note that during this screening process that no persons under the age of 18 will be allowed entry. 

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

Beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020, all staff, Veteran patients, and visitors at VA Northern California Health Care Sites will be screened at points of entry across our campuses. The screening will consist of a few simple questions about possible symptoms and recent travel.

Those presenting with symptoms or who meet other criteria will be given guidance on next steps by the screening personnel. Those who have no symptoms or who do not meet the other criteria will be provided a sticker or wristband and granted entry. While VA NorCal has not confirmed any cases of COVID-19 among its Veteran patients or staff, this is a necessary step in discouraging exposure among our Veterans and staff moving forward. We appreciate your cooperation and flexibility as we work through this process.

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

COVID-19 Information Update & Guidance.

Camp Fire: VA works alongside partner agencies to serve Veterans at Local Assistance Center

24/7 VETERAN HEALTH CARE CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) is working alongside its colleagues from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet) and the California Military Department's Work for Warriors programs at the Local Assistance Center to support Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire. As of Monday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 155,000 acres with 95 percent containment and claimed 84 lives.

"The Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire have a wide range of pressing needs," said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. "By partnering with other Veteran-support agencies, we're able to offer services that extend beyond health care, including job placement help, location of military records, and transitional housing services. We're striving to become a ‘one-stop shop' for Veterans who desperately need us, right now."

VA NorCal offers on-site medical support and scheduling of medical appointments at the Local Assistance Center, while Work for Warriors employment program personnel offer job-placement assistance to Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire. The Work for Warriors program has also extended its services to any California resident impacted by recent wildfires. Veterans seeking job-placement assistance should call 916-854-4426 or e-mail apply@workforwarriors.org. Cal Vet personnel are also on site to help locate DD214 service records and other documents.

The Local Assistance Center opened Friday inside the old Sears Building at the Chico Mall and provides a wide range of services to Veterans and other residents impacted by the Camp Fire. The center is open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily and is located at 1982 E. 20th Street in Chico.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal's response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

Camp Fire: VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City reopen to assist Veterans

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City are open with full staffing and a full range of patient services to assist Veterans impacted by the nearby Camp Fire. As of Friday morning, the Camp Fire has burned 142,000 acres and is 45 percent contained, having claimed 63 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom the VA NorCal Call Center is attempting to contact to provide health care and resources assistance.

“Nearly half of VA NorCal employees are military Veterans, and it’s shown in our swift response to the Camp Fire,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “As expected, Veterans began pouring into our Chico and Yuba City clinics this morning, which is why we spent the weekend deploying resources and personnel to our clinics and nearby shelters.”

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans. The Chico VA clinic has also begun offering telehealth services, where Veterans can conduct an appointment with a VA doctor or other provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal has placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

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Camp Fire: VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City reopen to assist Veterans

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City are open with full staffing and a full range of patient services to assist Veterans impacted by the nearby Camp Fire. As of Thursday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 140,000 acres with 40 percent containment, having claimed 56 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom the VA NorCal Call Center is attempting to contact to provide health care and resources assistance.

“Nearly half of VA NorCal employees are military Veterans, and it’s shown in our swift response to the Camp Fire,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “As expected, Veterans began pouring into our Chico and Yuba City clinics this morning, which is why we spent the weekend deploying resources and personnel to our clinics and nearby shelters.”

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans. The Chico VA clinic has also begun offering telehealth services, where Veterans can conduct an appointment with a VA doctor or other provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal has placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

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Camp Fire: VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City reopen to assist Veterans

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City reopened Tuesday with full staffing and a full range of patient services to assist Veterans impacted by the nearby Camp Fire. As of Tuesday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 140,000 acres with 40 percent containment, having claimed 56 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom the VA NorCal Call Center is attempting to contact to provide health care and resources assistance.

“Nearly half of VA NorCal employees are military Veterans, and it’s shown in our swift response to the Camp Fire,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “As expected, Veterans began pouring into our Chico and Yuba City clinics this morning, which is why we spent the weekend deploying resources and personnel to our clinics and nearby shelters.”

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans. The Chico VA clinic has also begun offering telehealth services, where Veterans can conduct an appointment with a VA doctor or other provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal has placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

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Camp Fire: VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City reopen to assist Veterans

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City reopened Tuesday with full staffing and a full range of patient services to assist Veterans impacted by the nearby Camp Fire. As of Tuesday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 135,000 acres with 35 percent containment, having claimed 48 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom the VA NorCal Call Center is attempting to contact to provide health care and resources assistance.

“Nearly half of VA NorCal employees are military Veterans, and it’s shown in our swift response to the Camp Fire,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “As expected, Veterans began pouring into our Chico and Yuba City clinics this morning, which is why we spent the weekend deploying resources and personnel to our clinics and nearby shelters.”

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans. The Chico VA clinic has also begun offering telehealth services, where Veterans can conduct an appointment with a VA doctor or other provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal has placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

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Camp Fire: VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City reopen to assist Veterans

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City reopened Tuesday with full staffing and a full range of patient services to assist Veterans impacted by the nearby Camp Fire. As of Tuesday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 125,000 acres with 30 percent containment, having claimed 42 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom the VA NorCal Call Center is attempting to contact to provide health care and resources assistance.

“Nearly half of VA NorCal employees are military Veterans, and it’s shown in our swift response to the Camp Fire,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “As expected, Veterans began pouring into our Chico and Yuba City clinics this morning, which is why we spent the weekend deploying resources and personnel to our clinics and nearby shelters.”

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans. The Chico VA clinic has also begun offering telehealth services, where Veterans can conduct an appointment with a VA doctor or other provider through a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal has placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

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VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City to reopen Tuesday

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER:  1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – Despite the nearby Camp Fire, VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City are currently open with full staffing and a full range of patient services. The Camp Fire has grown to more than 125,000 acres with 30 percent containment as of Tuesday morning, having already claimed 42 lives and nearly 7,000 structures (learn more at CAL FIRE’s Camp Fire incident page).

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans.

“The health care needs of our Veterans don’t stop during an emergency, so having VA clinics embedded in nearby communities has been critical to our response,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal assistant chief of staff. “We’ve deployed resources from VA clinics across Northern California to our clinics in Chico and Yuba City, as well as nearby evacuation centers, to ensure our Veterans have access to life-saving medications and other emergency assistance.”

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Veterans needing assistance during the Camp Fire should first contact the 24/7 Veteran Call Center at 1-800-382-8387.

VA NorCal is contacting each of its Veteran patients who live in the impacted fire zones to ensure their safety and provide health care support. Among those to whom VA NorCal is continuing to provide support are dialysis patients, home health aide patients, and patients with special oxygen needs. The air quality outside the Chico and Yuba City clinics is unhealthy for sensitive patients, at present, but air quality readings within the clinics are within healthy, normal ranges. Several air-filtering HEPA units have been deployed to the sites to ensure healthy air quality within the clinics, as well as respirator masks, should staff or Veterans require them.

OTHER RESOURCES FOR VETERANS:

• VA Pharmacy line for patients: (866) 600-8279
• Evacuation Zone Map

• Evacuation Centers:
  • Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley 
  • Glenn County Fairgrounds in Oroville
  • Bidwell Presbyterian Church, 208 W. 1st Street, Chico
  • Oroville Nazarene Church, 2238 Monte Vista Ave., Oroville.
  • East Avenue Church of the Nazarene, 1184 East Ave, Chico 
  • Azad's Martial Arts, 313 Walnut Street, Suite 150, Chico (pets allowed)
  • Evangelical Free Church of Chico, 1193 Filbert Avenue in Chico

• Animal Shelters:
  • Small animals - 2279 Del Oro Avenue, Oroville
  • Large animals – Camelot, 1985 Clark Road, Oroville 
  • Small animals - Old County Hospital, 2279 Del Oro and Mono, Suite E, Oroville
  • Animal shelter - Butte County Fairgrounds, 199 E Hazel St, Gridley
  • Animal shelter - Erickson Veterinary, 11181 Midway, Chico 
  • Animal shelter - North Valley Animal Disaster Group at Chico Muni Airport (takes dogs, cats and birds)

Below are resources for Veterans and other residents:

• VA Pharmacy line for patients: (866) 600-8279
• EMERGENCY number for fire: Please call CAL FIRE at 530-533-6363
• Evacuation Center: Oroville Nazarene Church located at 2238 Monte Vista Ave., in Oroville
• Small animal shelter set up at 2279 Del Oro Ave., in Oroville.

Evacuation:

All of Paradise is under mandatory evacuation except for Lower Clark Road, Lower Neil Road and Lower Skyway Road.

Veterans seeking assistance should contact the Advice Line at 1-800-382-8387 and state they are affected by the Delta Fire in Shasta County. Outside normal work hours, please choose option No. 4 to speak to an advice nurse.

For the latest road closures, evacuations, and other information related to the Delta Fire, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6191/.

"The VA NorCal staff in Redding has set a standard in their commitment to local Veterans," said VA NorCal Director David Stockwell. "Despite personal loss in many cases, they've managed to not only keep open the Outpatient Clinic's doors, but travel deep into the community to ensure displaced Veterans are receiving the care they need and deserve."

The Redding OPC staff has taken several steps to better serve the approximately 11,000 Veterans that use the clinic each year. This includes partnering with the Redding community to deploy a Mobile Vet Center to the Local Recovery Center (LRC) at Shasta High School, which will serve Veterans throughout the weekend. Staffed with three social workers, a registered nurse, and a program support assistant, the Mobile Vet Center provided services to 23 Veterans in its first hour alone. In addition, VA NorCal has established regular shuttle services between local evacuation sites and the Redding OPC to serve those Veterans lacking transportation.

To ensure air quality at the Redding OPC remains at healthy levels, the VA NorCal outpatient clinic in Martinez transported three additional HEPA filters to the Redding OPC. Alongside the arrival of air-filtration masks and respiratory-related medications, the HEPA filters have safeguarded the clinic's air quality for Veterans and staff throughout the Carr Fire.

Veterans seeking assistance should contact the Advice Line at 1-800-382-8387 and state they are from the Redding area. Outside normal work hours, please choose option No. 4 to speak to an advice nurse.

Supporting Redding OPC employees: The Employees Association of VA Northern California Health Care System is sponsoring assistance to VA staff in Redding impacted by the fire. Thanks to those VA NorCal staff who have voluntarily donated (to date, we have received $1,485). To contribute, make checks payable to "VA NCHCS Employees Association" and send to Maria Almes, President, Employees Association, Building 650, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Room 1B050, or send to Crystal Keeler, Building 650, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Room 3B118 (we are working on setting up a PayPal account for your convenience and will share that opportunity once completed). At present, we are not able to accept clothing or household goods, though there might be a need for slightly used furniture in near future. If you have any questions regarding donations, please call Maria Almes at 916-843-2898.

July 31, 2018 at 11:00

Evacuation orders have been lifted and residents may return home in the following areas:

The communities of Summit City and Buckeye to include the following areas listed below:

Lake Blvd north of Oasis Road to the Shasta Dam

Pine Grove Ave. west from Iron Horse Road to Lake Blvd.

Walker Mine Road to the overhead powerlines. All residences on Walker Mine Road west of the overhead powerlines remain under mandatory evacuations.

Quartz Hill road from Lake Blvd. just west of Counter Lane will be open. A closure will be in effect at Quartz Hill Road west of Counter Lane. All residences west of this closure point will remain under mandatory evacuations. The public is asked to limit traffic in these areas to residents only.

SAFETY MESSAGE – The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation warnings. A reminder to drive slowly and yield to emergency
personnel in the area. There will still be smoke in the respective areas as firefighters continue firefighting operations. If at any time you feel unsafe, please call 911.

• Redding VA Outpatient Clinic, 351 Hartnell Ave, is open until 4:30 p.m. for patients with walk-in medical needs.

• Redding VA Clinic Annext, 760 E. Cypress Ave, Suite 100, is closed.

The facility is assessing the situation and will update as necessary.

If you have any questions or medical needs. Please call our Telephone Advice line at 1-800-382-8387.

At 6:49 a.m. on Monday morning, the San Francisco Bay Area had a 4.0 earthquake centered at Piedmont CA. The Safety and Environmental Service has made contact with all East Bay sites and they report no damage. All clinics are open and are operating with normal business hours.

Earthquake Update: No Damage sustained at the Fairfield Outpatient Clinic.

Earthquake Update: The Mare Island Outpatient Clinic sustained cosmetic damage in todays earthquake. The damage is being repaired now. No appointments will be cancelled and the clinic will remain open. 

Earlier this morning a magnitued-6.0 earthquake rattled through Northern California.  Our Martinez Outpatient Clinic and our Mare Island Outpatient Clinic are in the vicinity of the earthquake.  The Martinez Outpatient Clinic, as well as the Community Living Center did not sustain any damage. Currently we have a team going to Mare Island Outpatient Clinic to conduct a safety assessment and will issue updates as they become available.

Camp Fire: VA works alongside partner agencies to serve Veterans at Local Assistance Center

24/7 VETERAN HEALTH CARE CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) is working alongside its colleagues from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet) and the California Military Department's Work for Warriors programs at the Local Assistance Center to support Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire. As of Monday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 150,000 acres with 66 percent containment and claimed 77 lives.

"The Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire have a wide range of pressing needs," said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. "By partnering with other Veteran-support agencies, we're able to offer services that extend beyond health care, including job placement help, location of military records, and transitional housing services. We're striving to become a ‘one-stop shop' for Veterans who desperately need us, right now."

VA NorCal offers on-site medical support and scheduling of medical appointments at the Local Assistance Center, while Work for Warriors employment program personnel offer job-placement assistance to Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire. The Work for Warriors program has also extended its services to any California resident impacted by recent wildfires. Veterans seeking job-placement assistance should call 916-854-4426 or e-mail apply@workforwarriors.org. Cal Vet personnel are also on site to help locate DD214 service records and other documents.

The Local Assistance Center opened Friday inside the old Sears Building at the Chico Mall and provides a wide range of services to Veterans and other residents impacted by the Camp Fire. The center is open from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily and is located at 1982 E. 20th Street in Chico.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal's response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

Camp Fire: VA to continue health care support to shelter sites over weekend

VA NorCal partners with California Military Department to offer job-placement assistance to Veterans impacted by Camp Fire

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER: 1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – VA Northern California Health Care System will continue providing health care services to Veterans at Camp Fire evacuation shelters over the weekend. VA NorCal will deploy Mobile Vet Centers, physician, nursing, and social worker teams, public health care, and Dual-Use Vehicles for transportation support to displaced Veterans at several sites.

“Our focus in on bringing care to the Veterans, wherever we might find them,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal deputy chief of staff. “We’re heading to the shelters and partnering with other agencies to locate Veterans and pinpoint their needs. We’re determined the Camp Fire won’t prevent us from delivering the high-quality, compassionate care our Veterans deserve.”

As of Friday morning, the Camp Fire had grown to more than 140,000 acres with 45 percent containment, having claimed 63 lives. Several hundred Veterans are estimated to have evacuated from the fire, each of whom VA NorCal personnel are attempting to contact to provide health care and resource assistance.

VA NorCal has also partnered with the California Military Department’s Work for Warriors employment program to offer job-placement assistance to Veterans displaced by the Camp Fire. The Work for Warriors program, which has placed nearly 7,000 California Veterans, reservists, and guardsmen in military-friendly jobs since 2012, has extended its services to any California resident impacted by recent wildfires. Veterans seeking job-placement assistance should call Work for Warriors representatives at 916-854-4426 or e-mail apply@workforwarriors.org.

Media seeking information about VA NorCal’s response to the Camp Fire should contact Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs, at 916-365-1509 or William.Martin6@va.gov.

VA Clinics in Chico, Yuba City to reopen Tuesday

24/7 VETERAN CALL CENTER:  1-800-382-8387
Veteran Benefits helpline: 1-800-827-1000

CHICO, Calif. – Despite the nearby Camp Fire, VA Northern California Health Care System
(VA NorCal) clinics in Chico and Yuba City will reopen Tuesday with full staffing and a full range of patient services. The Camp Fire grew to more than 110,000 acres with 25 percent containment by Monday morning, having already claimed 29 lives and nearly 7,000 structures (learn more at CAL FIRE’s Camp Fire incident page).

Over the Veterans Day weekend, VA NorCal deployed Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles to its clinics and evacuation shelters to provide health care and emergency support to Veterans.

“The health care needs of our Veterans don’t stop during an emergency, so having VA clinics embedded in nearby communities has been critical to our response,” said Dr. Regina Godbout, VA NorCal assistant chief of staff. “We’ve deployed resources from VA clinics across Northern California to our clinics in Chico and Yuba City, as well as nearby evacuation centers, to ensure our Veterans have access to life-saving medications and other emergency assistance.”

To ensure air quality inside its clinics, VA NorCal placed HEPA filters across its facilities in Chico, Yuba City, and the East Bay. HEPA air purifiers force a clinic’s interior air through a fine mesh, preventing Veterans and staff from breathing in harmful particles. VA NorCal also transported air-filtration masks to its clinics for distribution to staff and Veterans.

Veterans needing assistance during the Camp Fire should first contact the 24/7 Veteran Call Center at 1-800-382-8387.

Due to the Veterans Day three-day weekend (Sat-Mon), the Chico and Yuba City VA clinics will not open again until Tuesday, but VA Northern California Health Care System (VA NorCal) has partnered with other agencies to continue providing services to Veterans impacted by the fire. VA NorCal Mobile Vet Centers, nursing and social work evacuation teams, pharmacy representatives, and Dual-Use Vehicles are circulating to nearby shelters throughout the three-day holiday weekend to assist Veterans with their health care and transportation needs.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS: 

• VA Pharmacy line for patients: (866) 600-8279 
• Evacuation Zone Map 
• Evacuation Centers (Butte, Glenn, Yuba and Plumas counties):
  • Butte County Fairgrounds, 199 E. Hazel Street, Gridley
  • Glenn County Fairgrounds, 221 E Yolo St, Orland, CA
  • Yuba/Sutter County Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Street, Yuba City
  • Plumas County: Veterans Memorial Hall, 22 Gay Street, Chester
  • Oroville Church of the Nazarene, 2238 Monte Vista Ave., Oroville
  • Chico Elks Club, 1705 Manzanita, Chico
• Animal Shelters:
  • Small animals
  • Del Oro Old County Hospital, 2279 Del Oro Drive, Oroville
  • Chico Municipal Airport 150 Airpark Blvd, Chico, CA 95973
• Large animals
  • Butte County Fairgrounds, 199 E Hazel Street, Gridley