Fourth Mission

In this four-part series on VA Emergency Preparedness Simulation efforts, learn how simulation and emergency preparedness at VA work.

A four-part series on Department of Veteran Affairs Emergency Preparedness Simulation efforts through SimLEARN.

Veterans and VA employees are supporting communities across America by rolling up their sleeves. You can make a difference by giving blood.

In addition to vaccinating Veterans, VA has offered the vaccine to non-Veterans as part of the Fourth Mission, which includes providing support for national, state and local efforts during public health and other emergencies. This support was evident on June 3, when VA held a COVID-19 vaccination clinic outside its Central Office in Washington, D.C., for anyone — not just Veterans — experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Donald Custis died in March 2021 at the age of 103. As Chief Medical Director for what was then the Veterans Administration from 1980 to 1984, he helped shape today’s VA health care system.

More than 100 VA employees support community vaccination efforts in several states and territories. They volunteer to give vaccines to local communities as part of VA’s 4th mission.

Dr. Richard A. Stone, Veterans Health Administration Executive in Charge, reflects on his second anniversary of returning to VA and “Our employees’ commitment to our mission.”