THE FOLLOWING IS A VA ILLIANA HEALTH CARE RELEASE
DANVILLE, Ill. – Today, VA Illiana announces it will honor hospitalized Veterans from Feb. 11-17 during National Salute to Veteran Patients by facilitating visits to hospitalized Veterans, promoting volunteer opportunities, and accepting Valentine’s Day cards to be given to Veterans.
Since 1978, VA has designated the week of Valentine’s Day to provide a weeklong commemoration for Veterans. Local commemoration efforts include gift donations by the American Legion Auxiliary, distribution of Mad Goat coffee and Royal Donut donuts, as well as games and music for inpatient Veterans. Veterans visiting VA Illiana’s clinics will also enjoy refreshment and gift giveaways throughout the week.
“We are honored to join Veteran Service Organizations, community partners and the general public as we give thanks to our Veterans during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week,” said Aaron Cain, chief of VA Illiana’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement. “As we come together to honor these special Veterans, we encourage you to mail Valentine’s Day cards to our medical center to show your gratitude for their service. These cards are always a Veteran favorite.”
In fiscal year 2023, local schools, community groups and youth organizations sent hundreds of valentines to VA Illiana, which were distributed to Veterans. Additionally, volunteers and community organizations contributed thousands of hours to events and activities serving hospitalized Veterans.
To send Valentine’s Day cards to VA Illiana Veterans, mail to:
VA Illiana Health Care System
ATTN: CDCE (MC 135)
1900 E. Main St.
Danville, IL 61832
In addition to donations and in-person volunteer assignments, VA also provides volunteers with virtual and remote assignments which allows them to safely support Veteran inpatients during the pandemic. Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting www.volunteer.va.gov or calling the VA Illiana Center for Development and Civic Engagement at 217-554-4525.
About VA Illiana Health Care System
VA Illiana Health Care System provides services at 6 locations serving a 34-county area of central Illinois and west-central Indiana. Locations include the Danville VA Medical Center and 5 community-based outpatient clinics in Bloomington, Decatur, Mattoon, Peoria, and Springfield, Illinois. The VA Illiana Healthcare System is one of the leading health care systems serving Veterans in the VA Great Lakes Network. We’re an innovative care center within the Veterans Integrated Service Network 12 (VISN 12). VISN 12 includes medical centers and clinics in Wisconsin, Illinois, northwestern Indiana, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
