Hurricane idalia update; important information for veterans ahead of the storm | va orlando health care | veterans affairs

Orlando , FL — Orlando, FL - In preparation for the potential impacts of Hurricane Idalia, we have activated our VA medical center emergency operations center and are engaged in taking

necessary actions to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. All sites of care within the Orlando VA Healthcare System will be closed on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Veterans with

scheduled appointments on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, will transition via telehealth. If appointments cannot be conducted through telehealth, we will contact you to schedule a new

appointment. IMPORTANT: We have activated our VA Emergency Prescription Refill Program. Veteran patients can go to any local retail pharmacy to obtain needed refills. Veteran patients must

take an empty active VA prescription bottle (not older than 6 months and with refills available) or a new VA prescription on a VA form by an authorized VA provider to a retail pharmacy. THIS

DOES NOT INCLUDE CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES. Emergency refill locations are listed here: https://va.hhspharmacy.com/locations/index.html. For questions about the VA Emergency Prescription Refill

Line, please call: 1-866-265-0124, OPTION 1.    Should the operational status of any of the facilities change, information will be communicated widely and will also be posted at: VA Orlando

Health Care | Veterans Affairs RESOURCES FOR VETERANS: * If a Veteran is displaced, has lost his or her medication, and no longer has a written prescription or bottle, they can contact

their local VA Medical Center or the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400. * VA Health Connect (also known as the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center) 1-877-741-3400 is operational

24/7 to provide Veterans with virtual care and support. . Read more about available services at https://www.visn8.va.gov/ccc.asp.  * Veterans, their beneficiaries, and caregivers

may also contact the VA’s Health Resource Center Disaster Hotline at 1-800-507-4571, regarding VA health benefits, eligibility, billing and pharmacy-related inquiries, during the storm

period. * State of Florida Resources: Visit the Florida Disaster website for evacuation zones, shelter status and openings, and more: Updates | Florida Disaster Veterans experiencing a

medial or psychiatric emergency should call 9-1-1 or visit the nearest open emergency room. As we continue to monitor this evolving situation, we will adjust our response as required.