Updates from VA Long Beach Healthcare System

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VA Long Beach Celebrates Opening New Community Living Center with Ribbon Cutting

Community Living Center Ribbon Cutting pictures from event

VA Long Beach proudly celebrated the grand opening of our new Community Living Center! 

Swipe through the highlights as Interim Medical Center Director Christina White and Geriatrics & Extended Care Chief Dr. Jaza Marina — along with additional VA leaders — shared their vision for a space that honors Veterans with the comfort, dignity, and compassionate care they’ve earned.

We were deeply honored to receive commemorative plaques from our local, state, and federal partners — a meaningful reminder of the community support behind this milestone.

And of course… the moment we’d all been waiting for: the official ribbon cutting! 

Welcome to the Veterans who will call this Community Living Center home. This isn’t just a new facility — it’s a promise of high-quality, home-like care for those who served.

In the news, see what the Long Beach Post had to say about our new CLC. 


VA Long Beach Receives Funding for Continued Infrastructure Improvements

VA Long Beach received funding for Non-recurring Maintenance projects in the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, after receiving funds earlier in the year.

The funding is part of a record $4.8 billion in nationwide VA spending to modernize, repair, and improve health care facilities in FY2026 via the Veterans Health Administration’s Non-recurring Maintenance program.

Read more


July is UV Safety Awareness Month

UV Safety Awareness Month

 

Summer sunshine is here — and so are higher UV rays. Protect your skin, stay hydrated, and keep sun safety top of mind all season long.

Watch for quick tips on how to stay safe in the sun. Your health matters. Let’s enjoy the sunshine safely!

 

 

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VA Awards $2.2 Million in Grants to Memorialize Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs announced eight grants to educational and research institutions totaling $2,199,686 to memorialize Veterans interred in VA and VA grant-funded cemeteries as part of the National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program.

These grants help fund opportunities for educators and students to conduct research and visit cemeteries to learn about the service and sacrifice of America’s Veterans. Each grant recipient has designed a program to memorialize the brave men and women who have been laid to rest in our national cemeteries. At the end of each program, students will have a chance to share what they have learned in a public forum.

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Free Career Training Through IBM Skillsbuild

Whether you're transitioning from military service, advancing your career, or exploring a new path, IBM SkillsBuild provides free, flexible learning designed to help you build the skills employers are looking for.

What is IBM SkillsBuild?

IBM SkillsBuild is a free online learning platform that helps you gain job-ready skills at your own pace. Explore courses in high-demand fields, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Project Management
  • Professional Skills

As you complete courses, you'll earn industry-recognized IBM digital credentials that showcase your knowledge to employers and strengthen your resume.

Who is Eligible?

To join the VA IBM SkillsBuild platform, you must be at least 18 years or older and one of the following:

  • Veteran
  • Service member
  • Spouse, caregiver, or dependent of a Veteran or service member

Take Your Learning Further with Guided Learning Experiences

Ready for a more structured learning journey? Guided Learning Experiences (GLEs) combine expert instruction with hands-on learning in supportive cohorts lasting 1, 4, or 10 weeks and no prior experience is required.

With a Guided Learning Experience, you'll:

  • Learn from industry experts and build in-demand, career-ready skills.
  • Earn a free, industry-recognized IBM digital credential.
  • Apply what you've learned by completing a real-world project you can showcase to employers.
  • Learn alongside a community of peers who are working toward similar career goals.

Keep up to date with IBM SkillsBuild opportunities by visiting our IBM SkillsBuild program webpage.

Upcoming Guided Learning Experiences

Registration Period: July 13 through July 31, 2026

Training Period: August 3 through August 30, 2026

 

Registration Period: July 20 through August 7, 2026

Training Period: August 10 through October 18, 2026

 

Registration Period: August 4 through August 18, 2026

Training Period: August 19 through August 26, 2026

 

Registration Period: August 31 through September 18, 2026

Training Period: September 21 through October 18, 2026

Important Reminders

Your GI Bill® entitlement is not charged for SkillsBuild access. You will not receive any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits or payments for participating in the IBM SkillsBuild program.

By registering for this learning experience, you acknowledge that SkillUp, a training delivery vendor of IBM SkillsBuild, will process your data (name and email only) and may contact you regarding your participation in this experience and other IBM SkillsBuild educational activities. You also understand that this information is shared with VA, which will have access to your data to support program coordination and participant engagement.

If You Need Help

If you have technical questions about SkillsBuild: create your account and engage with the virtual assistant.

If you have questions about GI Bill eligibility or benefits: Review the VA webpage and contact VA with any education benefit questions you may have.

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Veterans Social Connection - July 31

Veterans Social Connection

The Veterans Social Connection (VSC) is a monthly gathering where Veterans can relax, meet others, and access helpful resources in a welcoming environment. The VSC takes place on the last Friday of each month (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the Patriot Café Patio. We hope to see you on July 31!

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VBA Appointment Scheduler

VA VERA Appointment Scheduler

Need to speak with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)? Check out the Veteran Engagement Reporting Application to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment. 


VA Resource Navigator

Are you a Veteran but you're not sure where to start with the VA? Check out the VA Resource Navigator, a short, sweet combination of all the most valuable resources to get you started on your way to VA benefits and health care.


Veterans Benefits Guide

Download the Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors handbook online or pick up a printed copy at your local medical center, regional office or Vet Center for free.


MyVA411

MyVA411 Resource Graphic

VA Podcast Network

The VA Podcast Network offers a diverse selection of top-quality podcasts made with a Veteran community in mind. Each podcast specializes on a different topic and covers gripping content that no Veteran should want to miss out on. 


Work with us!

Find VA Long Beach Healthcare System jobs on USA Jobs.

Find out how to work with us in other ways!


#theSITREP - VA YouTube Channel


Mindfulness Meditation - Free Classes


VA Health and Benefits App


The Bulldog


PACT Act Performance Dashboard


Caregiver Support Program

VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274 toll-free


Disclaimer of Endorsement:

Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

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