In aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Tampa VA reaches out to Veterans, community

For the latest on VA’s response and inspiring stories of service to Veterans impacted by the hurricanes, read more on the blog.  For those impacted by Hurricane Harvey, click here. For information on Hurricane Irma, click here.

VA reaches out to Veterans in Tampa after Hurricane Irma

Dr. Miguel LaPuz, VA’s acting principal deputy undersecretary for health, joined James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital director Joe Battle in visiting a special needs shelter at the University of South Florida Sun Dome in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The leaders met with Veterans who had evacuated their homes at the approach of Hurricane Irma and assured them that VA was ready to assist them in any way possible as hurricane recovery efforts continued.

Tampa VA ensures safe return of patients to Bay Pines after Hurricane Irma

In advance of Hurricane Irma, VA’s hospital in Bay Pines, Florida, transferred approximately 100 patients to VA facilities in Tampa, Orlando and Gainesville. Once the storm had cleared and patients were able to return, the facilities got them back to Bay Pines. In Tampa, after caring for Veterans for several days, the VA team ensured a safe ride back to Bay Pines for their temporary visitors.