The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has declared Feb. 9 - 15, 2020 as VA's National Salute to Veteran Patients Week and encourages communities to volunteer at their local VA medical centers.

"VA values the contributions of our volunteers, donors and partners in helping us keep the promise to America's Veterans," VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said. "These community resources confirm to our Veterans that we are a nation that cares and remembers their sacrifices every day."

Last year, schools, community groups, and youth organizations nationwide sent more than 109,000 valentines to VA medical centers, which were distributed to Veteran patients at facilities across the country. Additionally, more than 2,900 volunteers and 521 community organizations contributed to events and activities recognizing hospitalized Veterans.

Nationwide, over 61,000 volunteers provide more than 9.2 million volunteer hours serving Veterans. Volunteers are a priceless asset to the nation's Veterans and to the department.

VOLUNTEER: For those wanting to volunteer and join the mission to honor America's Veterans, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS) is hosting three volunteer events at its Nashville campus and Alvin C. York campus.

Volunteers and community members are encouraged to visit the TVHS Facebook page or call 615-873-6978 for more volunteer opportunities.

TVHS is an integrated tertiary health care system comprised of two hospitals, the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro and the Nashville Campus, as well as more than a dozen community-based outpatient clinics located in Tennessee and Kentucky. TVHS provides ambulatory care, primary care, and secondary care in acute medicine and surgery, specialized tertiary care, transplant services, spinal cord injury outpatient care, and a full range of extended care and mental health services.