Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

For 80 years, VA health care has been shaped by research and informed by Veterans’ experience, setting the foundation for a future of exceptional health care.
Every study and every advancement builds on the one before it—pushing Veteran care forward.

The City of Houston is hosting a resource event for Veterans on June 2 at 170 Heights Blvd. Houston VA staff will be in attendance to answer questions about VA benefits and services.

Houston VA held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a brand-new 38,000 square-foot outpatient healthcare clinic in Rosenberg, located at 25175 Southwest Fwy. Rosenberg, TX

With our two existing Fort Bend County CBOCs, in Sugar Land and Richmond, both stretched to capacity and serving roughly 13,000 Veterans combined, the need for something new and larger is impossible to ignore. Today, that something new officially broke ground.

“Houston VA is one of the fastest-growing VAs in the country and we are at or near capacity in several of our outpatient clinics,” said Amir Farooqi, MEDVAMC’s executive director. “This new Rosenberg VA clinic is the latest step in a large expansion we have planned across southeast Texas; aimed at putting more VA care closer to where the Veterans who have earned it live.”

In practical terms, the new Rosenberg clinic will mean nearly 20,000 square feet of additional space beyond the current Richmond clinic, with room to hire more staff and offer more services, all under one roof. The clinic will provide primary care, mental health, radiology, audiology, optometry, orthopedics, sleep and pulmonary care, prosthetics, physical therapy, and a dedicated women’s health area.

As today’s groundbreaking ceremony ended, Mr. Farooqi looked out at the crowd, Veterans in caps and pins, local officials, construction crews, VA staff, and offered a promise on behalf of everyone who helped make the day possible. “When we turn the first shovel of dirt today, we are investing in the health, dignity, and future of Fort Bend County’s Veterans,” he said. “We look forward to the day we open these doors and say to every Veteran: welcome home, we’ve got you.”

Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas, and its Veteran population is growing right along with it. With this groundbreaking, the Houston VA planted its flag; not just in the soil of Rosenberg, but in a lasting promise to the men and women who call this place home. The new clinic is set to open in 2027. But the foundation has been laid, and for thousands of Veterans in southeast Texas, that is reason to celebrate.

Even if to***co use is part of your daily routine, or you’ve tried quitting before, or you’re worried about withdrawal symptoms, you have the power to reclaim your life.

Need guidance on how to stay away from to***co? Talk to trained quit coaches who will help you during any phase of quitting.

Call the VA to***co quitline at 1-855-QUIT-VET or visit Mentalhealth.va.gov/MENTALHEALTH/quit-to***co/quit-vet.asp

Houston VA received a 5-star rating in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ annual Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating report.

CMS’ Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings are based on five categories: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. A higher star rating, out of five, indicates better performance along these quality measures.

“Receiving a 5-star rating from CMS is a reflection of the dedication our entire team brings to caring for Veterans every day,” said Amir Farooqi, executive director of the Houston VA Healthcare System. “This rating underscores our commitment to delivering safe, timely and high-quality care, and we are proud to contribute to VA’s continued nationwide excellence.”

Learn more: https://www.va.gov/houston-health-care/news-releases/houston-va-receives-top-marks-in-2026-cms-report/

Meet Bob!

Bob Gebhard is a Navy Veteran who didn’t just serve his country decades ago…he’s still showing up for his fellow Veterans today. Bob stopped by the Houston VA today with arms full of games (bingo sets, Connect Four, playing cards and more!) and something you can’t put in a box: genuine, heartfelt cheer.

He dropped it all off for Veterans living in our Community Living Center, bringing smiles, friendly competition, and a reminder that they are not forgotten.

Bob served in Vietnam back in the 1960s and stays busy these days giving back through the Houston Veterans Rotary Club, Veteran Food Pantry Distributions and countless other community and Veteran organizations. But today….he made it personal. Thank you Bob for your service then, and your incredible generosity now!

Is a Veteran in your life hesitant about reaching out for support?

Sometimes, hearing from someone who has been there makes all the difference.

Hear from Veterans about what encouraged them to seek mental health care. https://www.maketheconnection.net/MHM/

A promise remembered: Honoring Staff Sgt. Keith M. Maupin - VA News Each Memorial Day, Americans give pause to honor those who gave their lives in service. Among them is Army Staff Sgt. Keith M. Maupin.

On Memorial Day, we honor all who gave their lives defending our nation. We pause to pay tribute to their patriotism. Their sacrifice is remembered, today and always.

Enjoy National BBQ Month with a nutrient‑dense dinner featuring pork chops, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts—perfect for sharing with family!

https://www.nutrition.va.gov/NUTRITION/docs/Recipes/MainDishes/Barbecue-Pork-SheetPanDinner.pdf #