Bronx VA Medical Ctr

You’re invited! A Talk for Veterans: A Conversation About Depression. Join Dr. James Murrough, MD, PhD, for an open conversation about depression, followed by time for questions and connection. Meet the MIRECC team and enjoy coffee and snacks.

Veterans turning 65 If you’re a Veteran and you’re soon turning 65 years old, you may have questions about your healthcare coverage options. In addition to your VA healthcare, you may be eligible for Medicare and TRICARE for Life. The right healthcare coverage depends on your specific needs. Keep reading on this page to learn more about your options.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has recognized Dr. Imtizamed Patel, an oncologist at the Bronx VA, for outstanding contributions to patient enrollment in National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) studies in 2026. Dr. Patel received Silver-level recognition based on the number of patients enrolled in NCORP studies. This achievement reflects a commitment to advancing cancer clinical research and helping patients access important clinical trials.T his recognition builds on Dr. Patel’s previous achievement: in 2025, Dr. Patel received a Gold certificate for cancer trial accrual. Dr. Susan Bates also received Silver-level recognition in 2025 for patient enrollment in NCORP studies. Together, these honors reflect the dedication of the Bronx VA research team to supporting clinical research and expanding opportunities for patients to participate. We are proud to recognize Dr. Patel, Dr. Bates and the entire Bronx VA Cancer therapy and research team for their contributions to NCORP and to the patients who make this research possible.

The Bronx VA/JJP is proud to continue our efforts to help end hunger among Veterans through our partnership with Food Bank For NYC. This important initiative supports the Secretary’s top priority of ensuring that no Veteran goes hungry, and we are honored to play our part in connecting Veterans with essential food resources. We invite Bronx VAMC Veterans to join us at our upcoming food distribution. Please see the attached flyer for details. Together, we can strengthen our community and help ensure that every Veteran has access to the resources they need.

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Bronx VA staff took a moment to enjoy Café Bustelo alongside other cultural treats. Café Bustelo holds a special place in many Hispanic and Latino communities, where coffee is part of everyday life and a way to bring people together. Staff enjoyed the opportunity to connect and celebrate traditions that are an important part of a vibrant culture.

James J. Peters VA Medical Center Marks Go Pink Day, Promotes Breast Health for Women Veterans On October 2, The James J. Peters VA Medical Center marked Go Pink Day with an event focused on empowering Women Veterans to take charge of their breast health. Attendees viewed the Veterans Health Administration’s breast cancer screening video and heard from VA executive leadership, the director of the National Tele-Radiology Program, and a genetics counselor with the National Tele-Oncology Hub Comprehensive Genetics Services. Speakers emphasized that early detection is key to fighting breast cancer and saving lives. After the presentations, Women Veterans visited a mini resource fair featuring information on VA health care benefits, intimate partner violence resources, suicide prevention programs, and caregiver support. Participants could also speak one-on-one with genetics counselors to learn more about their individual risk and screening options. The event put patient empowerment and proactive care at the center of its message, encouraging Women Veterans to stay informed and discuss breast health with their care teams.

JJPVAMC will host a special documentary viewing event on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 10:00 am featuring the PBS film Matter of Mind: My Parkinson’s. Led by the Speech-Language Pathology and Neurology teams, this program invites Veterans, caregivers, staff, and non-veteran community members to learn more about Parkinson’s disease through film, discussion, and connection. The event will include a Q&A session, information tables, and light refreshments. If you live in the NY area and are interested in attending, please contact Dora Granato in Speech-Language Pathology at [email protected] or 718-584-9000 x6491.

VA awards $4,375,836 to organizations working to strengthen community-based suicide prevention efforts in New York.

Join us Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, 130 W. Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY, in Room 1B-07. Hosted in partnership with Workforce1 and the American Job Center Network, the event will offer veterans one-on-one support as they explore their next career steps. A career advisor will help attendees translate military experience into civilian opportunities and provide personalized assistance with resumes, interview preparation, job searches, and training options.

The Bronx VA invites Veterans and their caregivers to its virtual Veterans Town Hall on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 5PM-6PM. Patients will receive automated outreach about participating, including invitation and reminder calls, as well as follow-up contact. We look forward to hearing from you and strengthening communication with the Veterans we serve.

During SCI Awareness Month, the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Center at James J. Peters VA Medical Center hosted an engaging and informative event dedicated to educating veterans, families, staff, and the community about spinal cord injury and the exceptional care available. The event featured comprehensive educational materials and brochures highlighting the center’s patient-centered approach—including specialized medical services, therapy, mental health support, recreation, social work, and adaptive equipment—all designed to enhance veterans’ quality of life. Attendees enjoyed captivating videos showcasing recreation and adaptive sports programs, inspiring participation in fitness and community activities. An interactive SCI trivia game fostered camaraderie and increased understanding of spinal cord injuries. The event was further enriched by veterans sharing their personal journeys and positive outcomes, exemplifying the dedication and compassion of the medical team. Ultimately, the event successfully raised awareness, strengthened community support, and demonstrated the VA’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of SCI veterans through comprehensive care and engagement.

On September 11th, staff at James J. Peters / Bronx VA Medical Center gathered together to honor and remember the victims of the tragic events of 9/11. The remembrance ceremony was led by the Chaplain Services, who offered heartfelt reflections on the profound impact of that day. The Chaplain spoke not only about the victims of the event but also paid tribute to the selfless individuals—first responders, military personnel, and everyday heroes—who risked and often sacrificed their lives to defend our great country. Their courage and dedication exemplify the true spirit of service and sacrifice that continues to inspire us all. The ceremony included moments of silence, prayer, and reflection, fostering a sense of unity and gratitude among attendees. It served as a reminder of the resilience, bravery, and enduring spirit of those affected by 9/11, and of our collective commitment to honor their memory by supporting our veterans and community every day.

Join Us on November 19, 2026: Free Lung Cancer Screening for Veterans @ James J. Peters / Bronx VA. Lung screening is a quick, non-invasive, and safe process used to detect lung cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. Early detection through screening has been proven to significantly reduce lung cancer mortality and save lives. Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Veterans. Early detection is key to improving outcomes and providing better treatment options.

JJP Proudly Participates in Westchester County Annual Veterans Appreciation Day at Playland Park. On Saturday, August 8th, JJP proudly took part in the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency’s annual Veterans Appreciation Day at Playland Park, a community outreach event that reaffirmed its commitment to honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans. The event saw a strong turnout, with most veterans engaged by our team already enrolled and actively receiving VA services. Recognizing the importance of peer support and advocacy, we encouraged these Veterans to serve as ambassadors by sharing vital information about VA health care and benefits with fellow veterans who may not yet be enrolled. In addition to outreach efforts, JJP provided essential health screenings, including blood pressure checks for five participating veterans. Attendees also received valuable information about available VA programs, services, and resources designed to support their well-being and reintegration. The event successfully promoted Veteran-to-Veteran outreach and highlighted the agency’s ongoing dedication to providing accessible, comprehensive support to those who have served.

JJPVAMC is excited to resume the summer Concert Series! Join us in the courtyard this August for a variety of musical experiences. This event is open to all Veterans and employees.

The community care referral process is designed to connect Veterans with eligible community providers when VA care is not available. This process aims to enhance access, reduce wait times, and ensure Veterans receive timely and comprehensive healthcare services outside VA facilities if and when necessary. va.gov/resources/how-to-get-…

JJP Veterans, join us for Met PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a free six-week adaptive golf program for Veterans, offered by PGA Professionals. Designed to improve overall well-being and foster community, the program welcomes all Veterans whether new to golf or with some experience. Specially geared toward those with disabilities, each session covers essential golf skills, culminating in a friendly on-course experience. Veterans attending at least four sessions will be eligible to receive a set of golf clubs to support their ongoing recovery. We look forward to seeing you there! Point of Contact: Rios, William A. , Recreational Therapist [email protected]

Veterans First: Bronx Career Fair James J. Peters VA Medical Center, in partnership with Bronx Borough Presidents office successfully hosted a Veterans Job Fair that drew over 250 Veterans eager to find meaningful employment opportunities. The event showcased 35 veteran-friendly employers, offering Veterans direct access to recruiters, career development resources, and immediate employment prospects. This collaboration exemplifies our ongoing dedication to empowering Veterans through meaningful employment and enhancing the community resources available to those who have served.

JJP is proud to continue our efforts to end hunger amongst Veterans by partnering with Food Bank for NYC. This initiative strongly aligns with the Secretary’s top priority to end hunger among our nation’s heroes, and we are honored to play our part. Please see the attached flyer for details about the upcoming distribution.

The Nurse Recognition Committee hosted a special DAISY Award “Ambush” ceremony on July 30 to honor staff nurse Kelly Rodriguez, BSN, RN. The surprise event brought together staff, senior nursing leadership, unit members, and her nominator, whose submission was read aloud during the ceremony. Kelly was presented with a certificate and a DAISY sculpture by senior nurse leaders. Her recognition will also be displayed on a first-floor banner and featured in the upcoming Nursing Newsletter, celebrating her dedication and excellence in patient care.