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		<title>Local Features - VA San Diego Healthcare System</title>
		<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/index.asp</link>
		<description>Listing of local health features.</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2010 VA</copyright>
		<docs>http://www.va.gov/rss</docs>
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		<lastBuildDate>Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:51:00 PDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>Medics Translate Experience into VA Care Providers</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/ICT.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jun 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ict_180x130.jpg" alt="Michael Santana" title="Michael Santana"><div>]]>The ICT Program is a one-year pilot position created by and exclusively for the VHA to increase Veteran hiring and serve as a pipeline for future licensed medical professionals.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ict_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Michael Santana</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The ICT Program is a one-year pilot position created by and exclusively for the VHA to increase Veteran hiring and serve as a pipeline for future licensed medical professionals.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">ICT Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The ICT Program is a one-year pilot position created by and exclusively for the VHA to increase Veteran hiring and serve as a pipeline for future licensed medical professionals.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Recruitment for a study of diabetes drug efficacy</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/GRADE_study.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jun 2013 12:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gradestudy_180x130.jpg" alt="two physicians standing looking at patient&#39;s medical records" title="two physicians standing looking at patient&#39;s medical records"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System is looking for volunteers to take part in a study to compare the long-term benefits and risks of four widely used diabetes drugs in combination with metformin.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gradestudy_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">two physicians standing looking at patient&#39;s medical records</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System is looking for volunteers to take part in a study to compare the long-term benefits and risks of four widely used diabetes drugs in combination with metformin.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Recruiting for Diabetes Study</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System is looking for volunteers to take part in a study to compare the long-term benefits and risks of four widely used diabetes drugs in combination with metformin.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS raises over $600 for homeless in VA2k event</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/va2k_2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 May 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/va2k2013_180x130.jpg" alt="employees walking outdoor" title="employees walking outdoor"><div>]]>VASDHS hosted its third annual VA2K &#8220;Walk and Roll&#8221; event on May 15 to coincide with National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The event also encouraged employee and patient support of homeless Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/va2k2013_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">employees walking outdoor</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VASDHS hosted its third annual VA2K &#8220;Walk and Roll&#8221; event on May 15 to coincide with National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The event also encouraged employee and patient support of homeless Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA2K Event 2013</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VASDHS hosted its third annual VA2K &#8220;Walk and Roll&#8221; event on May 15 to coincide with National Employee Health and Fitness Day. The event also encouraged employee and patient support of homeless Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>We&#8217;ve Re-Designed Our Entire Website for You!</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/website_redesign.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/vasdhs-redesign_180x130.jpg" alt="website redesign" title="website redesign"><div>]]>We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/website_redesign_1368463545806</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/vasdhs-redesign_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">website redesign</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Website Redesign</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome. Our new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS celebrates National VA Research Week with symposium</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/researchweek2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/researchwk2013_sm.jpg" alt="National VA Research Week poster" title="National VA Research Week poster"><div>]]>In association with the National VA Research Week, May 13 - 17, VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a symposium to share the latest in local VA research advances with the public. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/researchweek2013_1368034929224</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/researchwk2013_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">National VA Research Week poster</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In association with the National VA Research Week, May 13 - 17, VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a symposium to share the latest in local VA research advances with the public. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National VA Research Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In association with the National VA Research Week, May 13 - 17, VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a symposium to share the latest in local VA research advances with the public. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>City of San Diego honors VASDHS for Recycling Efforts</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/recycler_of_the_year.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/green_sm.jpg" alt="group photo during award ceremony" title="group photo during award ceremony"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System was presented the award for &#8220;Recycler of the Year&#8221; on April 22 by the San Diego City Council for its efforts in recycling 658 tons of trash during fiscal year 2012.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/green_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">group photo during award ceremony</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System was presented the award for &#8220;Recycler of the Year&#8221; on April 22 by the San Diego City Council for its efforts in recycling 658 tons of trash during fiscal year 2012.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Recycler of the Year Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System was presented the award for &#8220;Recycler of the Year&#8221; on April 22 by the San Diego City Council for its efforts in recycling 658 tons of trash during fiscal year 2012.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Knowing your Health Care System: Robotic Surgery</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/robotic_surgery.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/robotic_sm.jpg" alt="robotic surgery" title="robotic surgery"><div>]]>More than a &#8220;cool futuristic&#8221; way to get the job done, robotic surgery has played an important role in saving lives since its introduction to VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) in 2008. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/robotic_surgery_1366142958592</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/robotic_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">robotic surgery</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than a &#8220;cool futuristic&#8221; way to get the job done, robotic surgery has played an important role in saving lives since its introduction to VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) in 2008. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Robotic Surgery</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than a &#8220;cool futuristic&#8221; way to get the job done, robotic surgery has played an important role in saving lives since its introduction to VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) in 2008. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>For Veterans with PTSD, videoconferencing proves effective</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/videoconferencing.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teleconferencing_sm.jpg" alt="video conference between a patient and physician" title="video conference between a patient and physician"><div>]]>In a new study of 207 participants, researchers at the VASDHS found that psychotherapy using videoconferencing technology for appointments worked just as well as in-person psychotherapy when treating Veterans with PTSD. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/videoconferencing_1365715619859</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teleconferencing_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">video conference between a patient and physician</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In a new study of 207 participants, researchers at the VASDHS found that psychotherapy using videoconferencing technology for appointments worked just as well as in-person psychotherapy when treating Veterans with PTSD. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Video therapy delivers</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In a new study of 207 participants, researchers at the VASDHS found that psychotherapy using videoconferencing technology for appointments worked just as well as in-person psychotherapy when treating Veterans with PTSD. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local Vets Cope with Challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/tbi.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tbi_sm.jpg" alt="Male Veteran listening to a female psychologist during class" title="Male Veteran listening to a female psychologist during class"><div>]]>Once a soldier, George never expected some of his hardest battles would be fought after he got out of the military. At an afternoon session with other Veterans at the VA Oceanside clinic, he goes over study skills that will help him prepare for his last college courses.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/tbi_1364939339454</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tbi_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Male Veteran listening to a female psychologist during class</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Once a soldier, George never expected some of his hardest battles would be fought after he got out of the military. At an afternoon session with other Veterans at the VA Oceanside clinic, he goes over study skills that will help him prepare for his last college courses.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Traumatic Brain Injury</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Once a soldier, George never expected some of his hardest battles would be fought after he got out of the military. At an afternoon session with other Veterans at the VA Oceanside clinic, he goes over study skills that will help him prepare for his last college courses.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS Officially Begins Substance Abuse Treatment Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/substance_abuse.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/substance_abuse_sm.jpg" alt="man cutting the ribbon" title="man cutting the ribbon"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System officially welcomed a new residential treatment program last week that specializes in the recovery of Veterans coping with substance abuse disorders. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/substance_abuse_1363208501545</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/substance_abuse_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">man cutting the ribbon</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System officially welcomed a new residential treatment program last week that specializes in the recovery of Veterans coping with substance abuse disorders. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Substance Abuse Treatment</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System officially welcomed a new residential treatment program last week that specializes in the recovery of Veterans coping with substance abuse disorders. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Five ways to improve your eating habits</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/nutrition_month.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nutrition_sm.jpg" alt="National Nutrition Month 2013 poster" title="National Nutrition Month 2013 poster"><div>]]>March is National Nutrition Month, and VA San Diego Healthcare System wants to help you reach your healthy eating goals. Here are five ways you can &#8220;Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,&#8221; from our food and nutrition experts:<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/nutrition_month_1362696261049</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nutrition_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">National Nutrition Month 2013 poster</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">March is National Nutrition Month, and VA San Diego Healthcare System wants to help you reach your healthy eating goals. Here are five ways you can &#8220;Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,&#8221; from our food and nutrition experts:</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Healthy eating habits</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>March is National Nutrition Month, and VA San Diego Healthcare System wants to help you reach your healthy eating goals. Here are five ways you can &#8220;Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,&#8221; from our food and nutrition experts:</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Clothesline Project</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/clothesline2013.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg" alt="shirt hanging on the clothesline" title="shirt hanging on the clothesline"><div>]]>In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 22 &amp; 23 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 24 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 25 (Oceanside Clinic).  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">shirt hanging on the clothesline</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 22 &amp; 23 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 24 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 25 (Oceanside Clinic).  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Clothesline Project</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 22 &amp; 23 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 24 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 25 (Oceanside Clinic).  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS opens remodeled Community Living Center area</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/clc.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clc_sm.jpg" alt="Community Living Center hallway" title="Community Living Center hallway"><div>]]>VASDHS opened a remodeled area of the fourth floor Community Living Center (CLC) last week after a year-and-a-half long renovation project, the first of two phases in CLC. &#8220;We want to make the patient rooms more home-like, private, quiet and comfortable to achieve a patient-centered feel,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director/CEO of VASDHS.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/clc_1362163030081</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clc_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Community Living Center hallway</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VASDHS opened a remodeled area of the fourth floor Community Living Center (CLC) last week after a year-and-a-half long renovation project, the first of two phases in CLC. &#8220;We want to make the patient rooms more home-like, private, quiet and comfortable to achieve a patient-centered feel,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director/CEO of VASDHS.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Community Living Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VASDHS opened a remodeled area of the fourth floor Community Living Center (CLC) last week after a year-and-a-half long renovation project, the first of two phases in CLC. &#8220;We want to make the patient rooms more home-like, private, quiet and comfortable to achieve a patient-centered feel,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director/CEO of VASDHS.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>San Diego VA Salutes Veterans on Valentines</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/salute_veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 23:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/salute_sm.jpg" alt="Group performance by mariachi band " title="Group performance by mariachi band "><div>]]>With pride in their hearts and a song, joke or other forms of creative expression, thousands of Americans visit Veteran hospitals across the country every year to say thank you to the 98,000 men and women being cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/salute_veterans_1361486908303</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/salute_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Group performance by mariachi band </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With pride in their hearts and a song, joke or other forms of creative expression, thousands of Americans visit Veteran hospitals across the country every year to say thank you to the 98,000 men and women being cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VASDHS Salutes Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With pride in their hearts and a song, joke or other forms of creative expression, thousands of Americans visit Veteran hospitals across the country every year to say thank you to the 98,000 men and women being cared for in VA medical centers, outpatient clinics, domiciliaries, and nursing homes.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS Raises Awareness of Heart Disease in Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/go_red.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/go_red_sm.jpg" alt="VA Goes Red for Women" title="VA Goes Red for Women"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System will be holding a &#8220;Go Red for Women&#8221; informational event on Feb. 7 to raise awareness for the number one killer of women in America: heart disease. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/go_red_1360082375698</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/go_red_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Goes Red for Women</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System will be holding a &#8220;Go Red for Women&#8221; informational event on Feb. 7 to raise awareness for the number one killer of women in America: heart disease. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Goes Red for Women</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System will be holding a &#8220;Go Red for Women&#8221; informational event on Feb. 7 to raise awareness for the number one killer of women in America: heart disease. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS to receive Gold award for patient safety</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/ptsafety_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ptsafetyaward_sm.jpg" alt="Bar Code Medical Administration (BCMA) technology " title="Bar Code Medical Administration (BCMA) technology "><div>]]>On December 20, VASDHS was notified that it will receive the Cornerstone Recognition Program&#8217;s 2012 Gold Award, the highest standard in the Veterans Health Administration for improving patient safety in a hospital setting. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/ptsafety_award_1357855985202</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ptsafetyaward_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Bar Code Medical Administration (BCMA) technology </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On December 20, VASDHS was notified that it will receive the Cornerstone Recognition Program&#8217;s 2012 Gold Award, the highest standard in the Veterans Health Administration for improving patient safety in a hospital setting. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Gold award for patient safety</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On December 20, VASDHS was notified that it will receive the Cornerstone Recognition Program&#8217;s 2012 Gold Award, the highest standard in the Veterans Health Administration for improving patient safety in a hospital setting. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New VA and AMVETS Program Gives Household Items to Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/amvets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 09:30:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/amvets_sm.jpg" alt="group photo of three men" title="group photo of three men"><div>]]>&#8220;This was truly a blessing, the VA is here to help us&#8221; Parker said.  &#8220;This is one of the best programs I have ever seen that VA put together.  They were so caring.  I&#8217;m very thankful for this program and everyone has been so respectful and kind.&#8221;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/homes_furniture_1357860406790</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/amvets_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">group photo of three men</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;This was truly a blessing, the VA is here to help us&#8221; Parker said.  &#8220;This is one of the best programs I have ever seen that VA put together.  They were so caring.  I&#8217;m very thankful for this program and everyone has been so respectful and kind.&#8221;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New VA/AMVETS Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;This was truly a blessing, the VA is here to help us&#8221; Parker said.  &#8220;This is one of the best programs I have ever seen that VA put together.  They were so caring.  I&#8217;m very thankful for this program and everyone has been so respectful and kind.&#8221;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS Researchers introduce tablet technology for screening</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/tablet_technology.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 09:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tablet_sm.jpg" alt="VA staff shows a Veteran how to use an electronic tablet " title="VA staff shows a Veteran how to use an electronic tablet "><div>]]>Researchers from VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), in collaboration with Service Wing Healthcare, Inc. and the VA Center for Innovation (VACI), have begun trials to research the use of digital methods for health care screening of younger Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/tablet_technology_1357684721588</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tablet_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA staff shows a Veteran how to use an electronic tablet </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Researchers from VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), in collaboration with Service Wing Healthcare, Inc. and the VA Center for Innovation (VACI), have begun trials to research the use of digital methods for health care screening of younger Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tablet technology for Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Researchers from VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), in collaboration with Service Wing Healthcare, Inc. and the VA Center for Innovation (VACI), have begun trials to research the use of digital methods for health care screening of younger Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Beneficiary Travel to allow direct deposit reimbursements</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/beneficiary_travel.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/benetravel_sm.jpg" alt="cars on the road" title="cars on the road"><div>]]>Starting New Years Day, Beneficiary Travel will be easing the process for reimbursing travel expenses, with reimbursement primarily occurring through direct deposit into Veterans&#8217; bank accounts. Rules of eligibility and rates paid have not changed.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/beneficiary_travel_1356025426562</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/benetravel_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">cars on the road</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Starting New Years Day, Beneficiary Travel will be easing the process for reimbursing travel expenses, with reimbursement primarily occurring through direct deposit into Veterans&#8217; bank accounts. Rules of eligibility and rates paid have not changed.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Beneficiary Travel</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Starting New Years Day, Beneficiary Travel will be easing the process for reimbursing travel expenses, with reimbursement primarily occurring through direct deposit into Veterans&#8217; bank accounts. Rules of eligibility and rates paid have not changed.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>29th Annual Care and Share Drive: Helping Veterans in Need</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/careshare2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/careshare_sm.jpg" alt="food items for needy Veterans" title="food items for needy Veterans"><div>]]>VASDHS has begun its annual &#8220;Care and Share&#8221; Drive to bring joy to local needy Veterans and their families in San Diego County this holiday season. The drive includes a food drive, bake sale, silent auction, and piggy bank coin drive to raise donations needed to support over 1150 expected recipients this year.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/careshare2012_1353448965124</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/careshare_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">food items for needy Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VASDHS has begun its annual &#8220;Care and Share&#8221; Drive to bring joy to local needy Veterans and their families in San Diego County this holiday season. The drive includes a food drive, bake sale, silent auction, and piggy bank coin drive to raise donations needed to support over 1150 expected recipients this year.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Annual Care and Share Drive</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VASDHS has begun its annual &#8220;Care and Share&#8221; Drive to bring joy to local needy Veterans and their families in San Diego County this holiday season. The drive includes a food drive, bake sale, silent auction, and piggy bank coin drive to raise donations needed to support over 1150 expected recipients this year.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans: Quit the Habit during Great American Smokeout</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/smokeout.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Nov 2012 09:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/smokeout_sm.jpg" alt="quit smoking logo" title="quit smoking logo"><div>]]>Join the three million Americans who quit smoking every year. This Nov. 15, be a part of the Great American Smokeout by quitting cigarettes or making a plan to quit. Call or schedule an appointment today with your primary care provider to get started. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/smokeout_1352851963320</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/smokeout_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">quit smoking logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Join the three million Americans who quit smoking every year. This Nov. 15, be a part of the Great American Smokeout by quitting cigarettes or making a plan to quit. Call or schedule an appointment today with your primary care provider to get started. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Great American Smokeout</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Join the three million Americans who quit smoking every year. This Nov. 15, be a part of the Great American Smokeout by quitting cigarettes or making a plan to quit. Call or schedule an appointment today with your primary care provider to get started. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS &amp; San Diego Veterans Court Offers Road to Redemption</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/veterans_court.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/court_sm.jpg" alt="veterans court" title="veterans court"><div>]]>The VA Justice Outreach Program works with Veteran&#8217;s Court to offer all available resources for treatment. This includes assessments by the VA Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program and Psychiatric Evaluation Clinic, referrals to residential treatment programs, screening for TBI and PTSD, and access to VA medical care.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/veterans_court_1351791229216</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/court_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">veterans court</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Justice Outreach Program works with Veteran&#8217;s Court to offer all available resources for treatment. This includes assessments by the VA Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program and Psychiatric Evaluation Clinic, referrals to residential treatment programs, screening for TBI and PTSD, and access to VA medical care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Justice Outreach Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Justice Outreach Program works with Veteran&#8217;s Court to offer all available resources for treatment. This includes assessments by the VA Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program and Psychiatric Evaluation Clinic, referrals to residential treatment programs, screening for TBI and PTSD, and access to VA medical care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/veteransday2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg" alt="VA San Diego staff" title="VA San Diego staff"><div>]]>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Catch VA San Diego Healthcare System during the 26th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 12, 2012.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/veteransday2012_1350406286873</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA San Diego staff</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Catch VA San Diego Healthcare System during the 26th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 12, 2012.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Catch VA San Diego Healthcare System during the 26th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Monday, November 12, 2012.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Infection Prevention at your Local VA Medical Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/infection_prevention.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/handwashing_sm.jpg" alt="washing hands" title="washing hands"><div>]]>San Diego VA Medical Center&#39;s top priority is to provide Veterans with the highest quality health care in a safe environment.  Infection prevention requires a partnership between hospital staff and patients.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/infection_protection_1318544430798</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/handwashing_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">washing hands</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">San Diego VA Medical Center&#39;s top priority is to provide Veterans with the highest quality health care in a safe environment.  Infection prevention requires a partnership between hospital staff and patients.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Infection Prevention</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>San Diego VA Medical Center&#39;s top priority is to provide Veterans with the highest quality health care in a safe environment.  Infection prevention requires a partnership between hospital staff and patients.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS, a Lean Machine Thanks to Training Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/lean.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/lean_sm.jpg" alt="training session" title="training session"><div>]]>&#8220;It has been my experience that healthcare organizations perform best when they have a fully engaged and energized workforce,&#34; said Jeffrey T. Gering, CEO/director of VASDHS.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/lean_1349210590339</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/lean_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">training session</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;It has been my experience that healthcare organizations perform best when they have a fully engaged and energized workforce,&#34; said Jeffrey T. Gering, CEO/director of VASDHS.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Lean Training Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;It has been my experience that healthcare organizations perform best when they have a fully engaged and energized workforce,&#34; said Jeffrey T. Gering, CEO/director of VASDHS.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Seasonal Flu Shots for Enrolled Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/seasonalflushots_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Sep 2012 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/flushot2012_sm.jpg" alt="Patient receiving flu shot" title="Patient receiving flu shot"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for enrolled Veterans from September 24, 2012 to November 30, 2012. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/seasonalflushots_2012_1346430014828</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/flushot2012_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Patient receiving flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for enrolled Veterans from September 24, 2012 to November 30, 2012. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Seasonal Flu Shots</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for enrolled Veterans from September 24, 2012 to November 30, 2012. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>San Diego VA Hosts National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/summersports.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ssc2012bradford_sm.jpg" alt="5th Annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Poster" title="5th Annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Poster"><div>]]>&#8220;We know from our experience with VA&#8217;s other national rehabilitative events, that the camaraderie of participating with other Veterans in rehabilitative sports has a powerful therapeutic impact,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/summersports_1346941401205</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ssc2012bradford_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">5th Annual National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic Poster</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;We know from our experience with VA&#8217;s other national rehabilitative events, that the camaraderie of participating with other Veterans in rehabilitative sports has a powerful therapeutic impact,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Summer Sports Clinic 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;We know from our experience with VA&#8217;s other national rehabilitative events, that the camaraderie of participating with other Veterans in rehabilitative sports has a powerful therapeutic impact,&#8221; said Jeffrey Gering, director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS tackles local suicide numbers</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/suicide.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Aug 2012 11:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/baeu_suicide_sm.jpg" alt="man sitting, looking down with both hands on his head" title="man sitting, looking down with both hands on his head"><div>]]>&#8220;When we began in 2007, all the calls were from older Veterans,&#8221; said Paula Saltz, suicide prevention coordinator for VASDHS. &#8220;Now, almost half of the number of crisis calls we receive are from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi freedom Veterans.&#34; <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/suicide_1346184421081</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/baeu_suicide_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">man sitting, looking down with both hands on his head</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;When we began in 2007, all the calls were from older Veterans,&#8221; said Paula Saltz, suicide prevention coordinator for VASDHS. &#8220;Now, almost half of the number of crisis calls we receive are from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi freedom Veterans.&#34; </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Suicide Prevention Week 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;When we began in 2007, all the calls were from older Veterans,&#8221; said Paula Saltz, suicide prevention coordinator for VASDHS. &#8220;Now, almost half of the number of crisis calls we receive are from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi freedom Veterans.&#34; </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local Veteran Participates in 2012 Paralympic Games</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/paralympics.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Aug 2012 11:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/paralympics_sm.jpg" alt="Photo of Oz Sanchez and US Paralympics logo" title="Photo of Oz Sanchez and US Paralympics logo"><div>]]>Wishing gold for our VASDHS patient and Paralympic athlete Oz Sanchez as he competes in London next week! http://www.usaparalympics.org/<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/paralympics_1346351453442</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/paralympics_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of Oz Sanchez and US Paralympics logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Wishing gold for our VASDHS patient and Paralympic athlete Oz Sanchez as he competes in London next week! http://www.usaparalympics.org/</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Local Veteran competes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Wishing gold for our VASDHS patient and Paralympic athlete Oz Sanchez as he competes in London next week! http://www.usaparalympics.org/</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ford Motor Company Fund to donate infant car seats</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/carseats.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Aug 2012 11:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/carseat_sm.jpg" alt="Two VA San Diego staff securing several boxes of infant car seats" title="Two VA San Diego staff securing several boxes of infant car seats"><div>]]>Ford Motor Company Fund will kick off its plan to donate $5000 worth of infant car seats to new and soon-to-be Veteran mothers enrolled at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Ford and VASDHS will hold a ceremony in the San Diego VA Medical Center multipurpose room Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/carseats_1344278086022</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/carseat_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two VA San Diego staff securing several boxes of infant car seats</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Ford Motor Company Fund will kick off its plan to donate $5000 worth of infant car seats to new and soon-to-be Veteran mothers enrolled at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Ford and VASDHS will hold a ceremony in the San Diego VA Medical Center multipurpose room Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Infant Car Seats </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Ford Motor Company Fund will kick off its plan to donate $5000 worth of infant car seats to new and soon-to-be Veteran mothers enrolled at the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS). Ford and VASDHS will hold a ceremony in the San Diego VA Medical Center multipurpose room Aug. 14 at 10 a.m.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Career Opportunities</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/tcf_intern.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tcf_sm.jpg" alt="man surfing in the ocean and the other man is assisting" title="man surfing in the ocean and the other man is assisting"><div>]]>After ten years working at two Veterans Affairs hospitals, San Diego VA employee Randolph Fry chose to further his career by becoming a Technical Career Field (TCF) intern.  The TCF Program is a comprehensive two-year position that trains candidates for specialized jobs within the Veterans Health Administration.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/tcf_intern_1340053202411</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tcf_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">man surfing in the ocean and the other man is assisting</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">After ten years working at two Veterans Affairs hospitals, San Diego VA employee Randolph Fry chose to further his career by becoming a Technical Career Field (TCF) intern.  The TCF Program is a comprehensive two-year position that trains candidates for specialized jobs within the Veterans Health Administration.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Career Opportunities - TCF</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>After ten years working at two Veterans Affairs hospitals, San Diego VA employee Randolph Fry chose to further his career by becoming a Technical Career Field (TCF) intern.  The TCF Program is a comprehensive two-year position that trains candidates for specialized jobs within the Veterans Health Administration.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>VA San Diego Approved to open Veteran Treatment Facility</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/aspirecenter_approved.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jul 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/aspireretreat_sm.jpg" alt="Aspire Center&#39;s retreat &amp; rest area" title="Aspire Center&#39;s retreat &amp; rest area"><div>]]>The San Diego City Council voted on July 24 to approve the Aspire Center, a residential Veteran treatment facility set to open at the site of the former Thomas Jefferson School of Law in Old Town.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/aspirecenter_approved_1342731979556</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/aspireretreat_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Aspire Center&#39;s retreat &amp; rest area</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The San Diego City Council voted on July 24 to approve the Aspire Center, a residential Veteran treatment facility set to open at the site of the former Thomas Jefferson School of Law in Old Town.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Aspire Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The San Diego City Council voted on July 24 to approve the Aspire Center, a residential Veteran treatment facility set to open at the site of the former Thomas Jefferson School of Law in Old Town.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>VASDHS provides medical care for the 25th year at Stand Down</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/standdown2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jul 2012 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/stand_down2012_sm.jpg" alt="Veteran standing in front of the medical tent" title="Veteran standing in front of the medical tent"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) organized and managed the medical tent for the 25th year of Stand Down held this year, from July 13 &#8211; 15 at San Diego High School.  More than 110 VASDHS volunteers served 446 Veterans and their dependents at the medical tent.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/standdown2012_1341345897375</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/stand_down2012_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran standing in front of the medical tent</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) organized and managed the medical tent for the 25th year of Stand Down held this year, from July 13 &#8211; 15 at San Diego High School.  More than 110 VASDHS volunteers served 446 Veterans and their dependents at the medical tent.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Stand Down 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) organized and managed the medical tent for the 25th year of Stand Down held this year, from July 13 &#8211; 15 at San Diego High School.  More than 110 VASDHS volunteers served 446 Veterans and their dependents at the medical tent.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>San Diego VAMC Tailors Plan to Expand Mental Health Staff</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/mentalhealth_staff.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jun 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/mentalhealth_sm.jpg" alt="mental health clinician talking to a patient while sitting down" title="mental health clinician talking to a patient while sitting down"><div>]]>VASDHS is hiring 37 additional mental health care staff members including 32 clinicians and five support personnel.  This increase is part of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki&#8217;s recent initiative to bolster VA&#8217;s mental health care staffing numbers across the nation.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/mentalhealth_staff_1340128726093</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/mentalhealth_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">mental health clinician talking to a patient while sitting down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VASDHS is hiring 37 additional mental health care staff members including 32 clinicians and five support personnel.  This increase is part of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki&#8217;s recent initiative to bolster VA&#8217;s mental health care staffing numbers across the nation.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Additional Mental Health Staff</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VASDHS is hiring 37 additional mental health care staff members including 32 clinicians and five support personnel.  This increase is part of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki&#8217;s recent initiative to bolster VA&#8217;s mental health care staffing numbers across the nation.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA San Diego Begins Regional Mental Health Program </title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/telemental_health.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tmh_sm.jpg" alt="male sitting down looking at the monitor using web camera" title="male sitting down looking at the monitor using web camera"><div>]]>The VA San Diego Healthcare System has been selected to implement a new mental health program which will provide real-time mental health services via Internet link to Veterans across the Western United States who live long distances from their nearest VA treatment facilities.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/telemental_health_1338414304035</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/tmh_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">male sitting down looking at the monitor using web camera</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA San Diego Healthcare System has been selected to implement a new mental health program which will provide real-time mental health services via Internet link to Veterans across the Western United States who live long distances from their nearest VA treatment facilities.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Telemental Health</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA San Diego Healthcare System has been selected to implement a new mental health program which will provide real-time mental health services via Internet link to Veterans across the Western United States who live long distances from their nearest VA treatment facilities.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>VASDHS celebrates National VA Research Week with symposium</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/researchweek.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/researchwk_sm.jpg" alt="VA National Research Week, April 23 -27, 2012" title="VA National Research Week, April 23 -27, 2012"><div>]]>In association with the National VA Research Week, April 23 &#8211; 27, the San Diego VA Medical Center will host a two-day symposium (April 25 &amp; 26) to share the latest in local research advances with the public. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/researchweek_1334762148982</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/researchwk_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA National Research Week, April 23 -27, 2012</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In association with the National VA Research Week, April 23 &#8211; 27, the San Diego VA Medical Center will host a two-day symposium (April 25 &amp; 26) to share the latest in local research advances with the public. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA National Research Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In association with the National VA Research Week, April 23 &#8211; 27, the San Diego VA Medical Center will host a two-day symposium (April 25 &amp; 26) to share the latest in local research advances with the public. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Medical Center Director Named for VASDHS</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/new_director.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gering_sm.jpg" alt="Photo of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE" title="Photo of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE"><div>]]>The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE, as the new Director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Gering will oversee delivery of health care to more than 72,000 Veterans and an operating budget of $537 million.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/new_director_1334265992372</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gering_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE, as the new Director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Gering will oversee delivery of health care to more than 72,000 Veterans and an operating budget of $537 million.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New VASDHS Director Appointed</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey T. Gering, FACHE, as the new Director of the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Gering will oversee delivery of health care to more than 72,000 Veterans and an operating budget of $537 million.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Volunteer to be recognized for his long service to VASDHS</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/volunteer.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/cheseborough_sm.jpg" alt="Robert Cheseborough photo" title="Robert Cheseborough photo"><div>]]>With nearly 17,824 hours of voluntary service to his name, Robert J. Cheseborough has made himself a familiar face around the San Diego VA Medical Center in the last sixteen years.  At any point in the day, he can be found around the departments, tirelessly helping patients and employees alike. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/volunteer_1333661240611</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/cheseborough_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Robert Cheseborough photo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With nearly 17,824 hours of voluntary service to his name, Robert J. Cheseborough has made himself a familiar face around the San Diego VA Medical Center in the last sixteen years.  At any point in the day, he can be found around the departments, tirelessly helping patients and employees alike. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National Volunteer Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With nearly 17,824 hours of voluntary service to his name, Robert J. Cheseborough has made himself a familiar face around the San Diego VA Medical Center in the last sixteen years.  At any point in the day, he can be found around the departments, tirelessly helping patients and employees alike. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Clothesline Project</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/clothesline2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg" alt="shirt hanging on the clothesline" title="shirt hanging on the clothesline"><div>]]>In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 23 &amp; 24 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 25 &amp; 26 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 27 (Oceanside Clinic). <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/clothesline2012_1332367043214</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">shirt hanging on the clothesline</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 23 &amp; 24 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 25 &amp; 26 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 27 (Oceanside Clinic). </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Clothesline Project</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#8220;Clothesline Project&#8221; on April 23 &amp; 24 (San Diego VA Medical Center), April 25 &amp; 26 (Mission Valley Clinic), and April 27 (Oceanside Clinic). </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Community shows their love for hospitalized Veterans on Valentine&#8217;s Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/national_salute.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nationalsalute_sm.jpg" alt="female handing out card to a Veteran patient" title="female handing out card to a Veteran patient"><div>]]>The National Salute to Veteran Patients Week was a special occasion for Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center thanks to community support from a variety of visitors. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/national_salute_1329498809188</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nationalsalute_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">female handing out card to a Veteran patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The National Salute to Veteran Patients Week was a special occasion for Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center thanks to community support from a variety of visitors. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National Salute to Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The National Salute to Veteran Patients Week was a special occasion for Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center thanks to community support from a variety of visitors. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS to Open New State-of-the-Art Facility for Transitioning Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/aspire_center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/aspireretreat_sm.jpg" alt="The Aspire Center&#39;s Retreat &amp; Rest area" title="The Aspire Center&#39;s Retreat &amp; Rest area"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System is pleased to announce its plan to open a Veteran Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) in the Old Town community in 2012.  &#8220;This program is poised to become a national center for excellence for assisting returning combat Veterans,&#8221; said program director Deborah Dominick.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/aspire_center_1326814736164</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/aspireretreat_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Aspire Center&#39;s Retreat &amp; Rest area</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System is pleased to announce its plan to open a Veteran Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) in the Old Town community in 2012.  &#8220;This program is poised to become a national center for excellence for assisting returning combat Veterans,&#8221; said program director Deborah Dominick.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Aspire Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System is pleased to announce its plan to open a Veteran Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (RRTP) in the Old Town community in 2012.  &#8220;This program is poised to become a national center for excellence for assisting returning combat Veterans,&#8221; said program director Deborah Dominick.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran rises from homelessness to a job with Veterans Affairs</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/homelessness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/galloway_sm.jpg" alt="Photo of Mark Galloway" title="Photo of Mark Galloway"><div>]]>The act of being able to wake up in a warm bed, next to your spouse and then go to work is considered by some people to be ordinary, but not for Veteran Mark Galloway.  For him, having any kind of &#8220;normal life&#8221; is extraordinary; because it&#8217;s something he&#8217;s had to build for himself over the last six years. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/homelessness_1325716719141</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/galloway_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of Mark Galloway</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The act of being able to wake up in a warm bed, next to your spouse and then go to work is considered by some people to be ordinary, but not for Veteran Mark Galloway.  For him, having any kind of &#8220;normal life&#8221; is extraordinary; because it&#8217;s something he&#8217;s had to build for himself over the last six years. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Veteran Rises</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The act of being able to wake up in a warm bed, next to your spouse and then go to work is considered by some people to be ordinary, but not for Veteran Mark Galloway.  For him, having any kind of &#8220;normal life&#8221; is extraordinary; because it&#8217;s something he&#8217;s had to build for himself over the last six years. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS Police Donate Teddy Bears for Needy Hospital Patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/teddybear_drive.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teddybear_sm.jpg" alt="VA San Diego police staff holding teddy bears" title="VA San Diego police staff holding teddy bears"><div>]]>The 21st Annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive teams with schools and community groups in a year-round campaign to collect thousands of bears for patients awaiting or recovering from a procedure at the hospital.  This year&#8217;s donation brought smiles to the faces of 200 patients.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/teddybear_drive_1323990663356</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teddybear_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA San Diego police staff holding teddy bears</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The 21st Annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive teams with schools and community groups in a year-round campaign to collect thousands of bears for patients awaiting or recovering from a procedure at the hospital.  This year&#8217;s donation brought smiles to the faces of 200 patients.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Teddy Bear Drive</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The 21st Annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive teams with schools and community groups in a year-round campaign to collect thousands of bears for patients awaiting or recovering from a procedure at the hospital.  This year&#8217;s donation brought smiles to the faces of 200 patients.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Receive Food, Gifts from 28th Annual Care and Share Drive</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/careshare.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/careshare_sm.jpg" alt="food items for needy Veterans" title="food items for needy Veterans"><div>]]>This year&#8217;s drive will bring 320 boxes filled with food and toys to 800 needy Veterans and their families across San Diego County. The boxes include canned and boxed foods, grocery certificates for turkeys, and perishable food items. Each box is custom-designed to meet the needs of the family, including toys for the children.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/careshare_1323447012173</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/careshare_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">food items for needy Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This year&#8217;s drive will bring 320 boxes filled with food and toys to 800 needy Veterans and their families across San Diego County. The boxes include canned and boxed foods, grocery certificates for turkeys, and perishable food items. Each box is custom-designed to meet the needs of the family, including toys for the children.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Annual Care and Share Drive</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This year&#8217;s drive will bring 320 boxes filled with food and toys to 800 needy Veterans and their families across San Diego County. The boxes include canned and boxed foods, grocery certificates for turkeys, and perishable food items. Each box is custom-designed to meet the needs of the family, including toys for the children.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Million Veteran Program launches in San Diego</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/mvp.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Nov 2011 07:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/millionvet_sm.jpg" alt="VA staff assisting a Veteran" title="VA staff assisting a Veteran"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System has begun enrolling patients for the nationwide Million Veteran Program (MVP).  The five-year program aims to gather genetic information from Veterans around the country that will aid in the future studies on the prevention and treatment of illnesses in all Americans. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/mvp_1319143043782</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/millionvet_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA staff assisting a Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System has begun enrolling patients for the nationwide Million Veteran Program (MVP).  The five-year program aims to gather genetic information from Veterans around the country that will aid in the future studies on the prevention and treatment of illnesses in all Americans. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System has begun enrolling patients for the nationwide Million Veteran Program (MVP).  The five-year program aims to gather genetic information from Veterans around the country that will aid in the future studies on the prevention and treatment of illnesses in all Americans. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/veteransday2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:30:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg" alt="VA San Diego staff" title="VA San Diego staff"><div>]]>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Join VA San Diego Healthcare System staff as we march in the annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/veteransday2011_1320336629843</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA San Diego staff</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Join VA San Diego Healthcare System staff as we march in the annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11, 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  Join VA San Diego Healthcare System staff as we march in the annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Friday, November 11, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VASDHS recognizes National Family Caregiver&#8217;s Month with Fair</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/familycaregiver.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiversupport_sm.jpg" alt="caregiver&#39;s hand" title="caregiver&#39;s hand"><div>]]>For wives like Laura Stevens, being a caregiver is a full-time job.  Aside from tending to her three children, she must play the role of caregiver, counselor, and advocate for her injured husband. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/familycaregiver_1320098878628</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiversupport_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">caregiver&#39;s hand</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For wives like Laura Stevens, being a caregiver is a full-time job.  Aside from tending to her three children, she must play the role of caregiver, counselor, and advocate for her injured husband. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Family Caregiver&#8217;s Month</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For wives like Laura Stevens, being a caregiver is a full-time job.  Aside from tending to her three children, she must play the role of caregiver, counselor, and advocate for her injured husband. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA San Diego recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness month in October</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/breastcancer_awareness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/breastcancer_sm.jpg" alt="breast cancer, pink ribbon logo" title="breast cancer, pink ribbon logo"><div>]]>The VA San Diego Healthcare System is going pink on Oct. 27 in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   Employees and patients are highly encouraged to dress in pink on that day to recognize the observance, which calls attention to the detection and prevention of Breast Cancer throughout the year. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/breastcancer_awareness_1318522253539</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/breastcancer_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">breast cancer, pink ribbon logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA San Diego Healthcare System is going pink on Oct. 27 in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   Employees and patients are highly encouraged to dress in pink on that day to recognize the observance, which calls attention to the detection and prevention of Breast Cancer throughout the year. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Breast Cancer Awareness Month</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA San Diego Healthcare System is going pink on Oct. 27 in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   Employees and patients are highly encouraged to dress in pink on that day to recognize the observance, which calls attention to the detection and prevention of Breast Cancer throughout the year. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA San Diego Healthcare System to Host Homeless Veterans Event</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/homeless_event.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/homelessevent_sm.jpg" alt="homeless veterans" title="homeless veterans"><div>]]>As part of its national drive to end Veteran homelessness by 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and its community partners will host a Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign event on Oct. 12, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/homeless_event_1318034480093</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/homelessevent_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">homeless veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">As part of its national drive to end Veteran homelessness by 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and its community partners will host a Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign event on Oct. 12, 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Veterans Event</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>As part of its national drive to end Veteran homelessness by 2015, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) and its community partners will host a Homeless Veterans Outreach Campaign event on Oct. 12, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA San Diego&#39;s Direct Observation Unit recognized with Beacon Award for Excellence</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/beacon_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/beacon_sm.jpg" alt="Beacon Award for Excellence Logo" title="Beacon Award for Excellence Logo"><div>]]>The San Diego VA Medical Center&#8217;s Direct Observation Unit (DOU) received the Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) on September 9, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/beacon_award_1317309532689</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/beacon_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Beacon Award for Excellence Logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The San Diego VA Medical Center&#8217;s Direct Observation Unit (DOU) received the Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) on September 9, 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Beacon Award for Excellence</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The San Diego VA Medical Center&#8217;s Direct Observation Unit (DOU) received the Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) on September 9, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Seasonal Flu Shots for Enrolled Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/seasonalflushots.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 26 Sep 2011 06:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/flushot_sm.jpg" alt="Patient receiving flu shot" title="Patient receiving flu shot"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from September 29, 2011 to December 29, 2011.  Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/seasonalflushots_1316617807014</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/flushot_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Patient receiving flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from September 29, 2011 to December 29, 2011.  Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Seasonal Flu Shot</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from September 29, 2011 to December 29, 2011.  Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment.  For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA San Diego Earns &#8216;Top Performer on Key Quality Measures&#8217; Recognition from The Joint Commission</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/jc_top_performer.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/topperformer_sm.jpg" alt="top performer logo and banner" title="top performer logo and banner"><div>]]>VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) today was named one of the nation&#8217;s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/jc_top_performer_1316025733681</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/topperformer_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">top performer logo and banner</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) today was named one of the nation&#8217;s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Top Performer Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) today was named one of the nation&#8217;s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran hopes to inspire at this year&#8217;s National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/nvssc_story.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ssc_sm.jpg" alt="Handcycling participants" title="Handcycling participants"><div>]]>Spring Valley resident Simon Jackson loves the feeling he gets through his handcycle.  &#8220;I am the engine for where and how fast I go,&#8221; said the 34-year old Army Veteran.  While his legs cannot take him far due to a debilitating injury, his handcycle has few limitations.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/nvssc_story_1314915570813</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/ssc_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Handcycling participants</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Spring Valley resident Simon Jackson loves the feeling he gets through his handcycle.  &#8220;I am the engine for where and how fast I go,&#8221; said the 34-year old Army Veteran.  While his legs cannot take him far due to a debilitating injury, his handcycle has few limitations.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Summer Sports Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Spring Valley resident Simon Jackson loves the feeling he gets through his handcycle.  &#8220;I am the engine for where and how fast I go,&#8221; said the 34-year old Army Veteran.  While his legs cannot take him far due to a debilitating injury, his handcycle has few limitations.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>San Diego VA Social Worker remembers her experience following Sept. 11 attacks</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/remembering911.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/owen_sm.jpg" alt="Laura Owen" title="Laura Owen"><div>]]>As a social worker for returning combat Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center, Laura Owen has firsthand experience in a traumatic environment.  As a first responder and social worker following the 9/11 attacks, Owen witnessed the loss, despair, and recovery of rescue workers at ground zero. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/remembering911_1315430947097</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/owen_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Laura Owen</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">As a social worker for returning combat Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center, Laura Owen has firsthand experience in a traumatic environment.  As a first responder and social worker following the 9/11 attacks, Owen witnessed the loss, despair, and recovery of rescue workers at ground zero. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Remembering 9/11</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>As a social worker for returning combat Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center, Laura Owen has firsthand experience in a traumatic environment.  As a first responder and social worker following the 9/11 attacks, Owen witnessed the loss, despair, and recovery of rescue workers at ground zero. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local programs improve Veteran health through diet, activity</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/hpdp.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/hpdp_sm.jpg" alt="Two female coordinators of the Wellness Clinic" title="Two female coordinators of the Wellness Clinic"><div>]]>New incentives with the VA San Diego Heath Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) program supports Veterans with resources and training that motivates and educates Veterans on living healthier lifestyles while managing their health.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/hpdp_1312478985123</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/hpdp_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two female coordinators of the Wellness Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">New incentives with the VA San Diego Heath Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) program supports Veterans with resources and training that motivates and educates Veterans on living healthier lifestyles while managing their health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Improving Veterans&#39; health</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>New incentives with the VA San Diego Heath Promotion and Disease Prevention (HPDP) program supports Veterans with resources and training that motivates and educates Veterans on living healthier lifestyles while managing their health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>San Diego VA patient sheds inches off waistline using MOVE! Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/teleMOVE.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teleMOVE_sm.jpg" alt="Peggy Cleveland&#39;s photo while serving in the military" title="Peggy Cleveland&#39;s photo while serving in the military"><div>]]>When Navy Veteran Peggy Cleveland needed to lose weight, she turned to the local San Diego MOVE! Program.  With the help of a primary care provider, Peggy started attending MOVE! classes at the San Diego VA Medical Center.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/teleMOVE_1310658083293</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/teleMOVE_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Peggy Cleveland&#39;s photo while serving in the military</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When Navy Veteran Peggy Cleveland needed to lose weight, she turned to the local San Diego MOVE! Program.  With the help of a primary care provider, Peggy started attending MOVE! classes at the San Diego VA Medical Center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Weight-loss success story</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When Navy Veteran Peggy Cleveland needed to lose weight, she turned to the local San Diego MOVE! Program.  With the help of a primary care provider, Peggy started attending MOVE! classes at the San Diego VA Medical Center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Doctor provides a generation of care to homeless Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/helphomeless_gass.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gass_sm.jpg" alt="Two San Diego VAMC doctors volunteer at the annual Stand Down" title="Two San Diego VAMC doctors volunteer at the annual Stand Down"><div>]]>With nearly a quarter century devoted to helping homeless Veterans, Dr. Arnold Gass of San Diego VA Medical Center has not only treated his patients but also helped them to rebuild their lives during the annual Stand Down in San Diego.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/helphomeless_gass_1312317516783</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/gass_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two San Diego VAMC doctors volunteer at the annual Stand Down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With nearly a quarter century devoted to helping homeless Veterans, Dr. Arnold Gass of San Diego VA Medical Center has not only treated his patients but also helped them to rebuild their lives during the annual Stand Down in San Diego.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Helping homeless Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With nearly a quarter century devoted to helping homeless Veterans, Dr. Arnold Gass of San Diego VA Medical Center has not only treated his patients but also helped them to rebuild their lives during the annual Stand Down in San Diego.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2011 Stand Down for Homeless Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/stand_down.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/standdown1_sm.jpg" alt="VA San Diego employees who participated in the  24th Annual Stand Down" title="VA San Diego employees who participated in the  24th Annual Stand Down"><div>]]>An estimated 200 VA employees participated in the 24th Annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on July 15 - 17, at San Diego High School.  Over a thousand Veterans utilized various services provided by the VA including dispensary needs, testing for HIV and Tuberculosis, skin and foot care, mental health, and alcohol withdrawal treatment.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/stand_down_1311263175242</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/standdown1_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA San Diego employees who participated in the  24th Annual Stand Down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">An estimated 200 VA employees participated in the 24th Annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on July 15 - 17, at San Diego High School.  Over a thousand Veterans utilized various services provided by the VA including dispensary needs, testing for HIV and Tuberculosis, skin and foot care, mental health, and alcohol withdrawal treatment.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2011 Stand Down</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>An estimated 200 VA employees participated in the 24th Annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on July 15 - 17, at San Diego High School.  Over a thousand Veterans utilized various services provided by the VA including dispensary needs, testing for HIV and Tuberculosis, skin and foot care, mental health, and alcohol withdrawal treatment.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Robert Henry Receives American Diabetes Association&#8217;s Banting Medal for Service</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/banting_medal.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/henry_sm.jpg" alt="Dr. Robert Henry&#39;s photo" title="Dr. Robert Henry&#39;s photo"><div>]]>Robert Henry, from San Diego, Calif. received the American Diabetes Association&#8217;s prestigious Banting Medal for Service. The award was presented at the Association&#8217;s 71st Scientific Sessions that took place in San Diego, CA, June 24-28, 2011. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/banting_medal_1309379176221</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/henry_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Robert Henry&#39;s photo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Robert Henry, from San Diego, Calif. received the American Diabetes Association&#8217;s prestigious Banting Medal for Service. The award was presented at the Association&#8217;s 71st Scientific Sessions that took place in San Diego, CA, June 24-28, 2011. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Banting Medal for Service</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Robert Henry, from San Diego, Calif. received the American Diabetes Association&#8217;s prestigious Banting Medal for Service. The award was presented at the Association&#8217;s 71st Scientific Sessions that took place in San Diego, CA, June 24-28, 2011. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Bronze Medal winner attributes San Diego VAMC with saving his life</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/bronze_medal_winner.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/goldenagegames_sm.jpg" alt="Air Force Veteran David Connery during the competition" title="Air Force Veteran David Connery during the competition"><div>]]>With his recent Bronze Medal victory in horseshoes at the 2011 Golden Age Games, David Connery knows about overcoming adversity. The Air Force Veteran had all but lost hope after a dissolved marriage, troubled health issues, and displacement from his home left him homeless and sleeping from his car.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/bronze_medal_winner_1308605661227</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/goldenagegames_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Air Force Veteran David Connery during the competition</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With his recent Bronze Medal victory in horseshoes at the 2011 Golden Age Games, David Connery knows about overcoming adversity. The Air Force Veteran had all but lost hope after a dissolved marriage, troubled health issues, and displacement from his home left him homeless and sleeping from his car.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Bronze Medal Winner</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With his recent Bronze Medal victory in horseshoes at the 2011 Golden Age Games, David Connery knows about overcoming adversity. The Air Force Veteran had all but lost hope after a dissolved marriage, troubled health issues, and displacement from his home left him homeless and sleeping from his car.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Front Entrance Construction</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/front_entrance_construction.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/vasdhs_sm.jpg" alt="San Diego VAMC exterior photo" title="San Diego VAMC exterior photo"><div>]]>Beginning June 11, 2011, VA San Diego Healthcare System&#39;s front entrance will be CLOSED during some weekend and evening hours.  Access to the medical center will be through the West Emergency Department entrance and the East Spinal Cord Injury entrance during these days/times.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/front_entrance_construction_1307993855198</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/vasdhs_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">San Diego VAMC exterior photo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Beginning June 11, 2011, VA San Diego Healthcare System&#39;s front entrance will be CLOSED during some weekend and evening hours.  Access to the medical center will be through the West Emergency Department entrance and the East Spinal Cord Injury entrance during these days/times.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Front Entrance Construction</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Beginning June 11, 2011, VA San Diego Healthcare System&#39;s front entrance will be CLOSED during some weekend and evening hours.  Access to the medical center will be through the West Emergency Department entrance and the East Spinal Cord Injury entrance during these days/times.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Program enhances VA services for Family Caregivers</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/Family_Caregivers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 May 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiverhand_sm.jpg" alt="helping hands" title="helping hands"><div>]]>On May 3, 2011, staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the interim final rule for implementing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010.  This new rule will provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary Family Caregiver. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiverhand_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">helping hands</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On May 3, 2011, staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the interim final rule for implementing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010.  This new rule will provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary Family Caregiver. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Family Caregiver Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On May 3, 2011, staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published the interim final rule for implementing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act 2010.  This new rule will provide additional support to eligible post-9/11 Veterans who elect to receive their care in a home setting from a primary Family Caregiver. </hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>VA San Diego Healthcare System celebrates National VA Research Week</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/research_week.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/research_sm.jpg" alt="Female Researcher" title="Female Researcher"><div>]]>&#8220;Discovery &amp; Collaboration for Exceptional Health Care&#8221; is the theme of the National VA Research Week, May 2 &#8211; 6.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a Research Day Celebration including lectures and posters on Monday, May 2, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/research_week_1304092253791</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/research_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Female Researcher</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;Discovery &amp; Collaboration for Exceptional Health Care&#8221; is the theme of the National VA Research Week, May 2 &#8211; 6.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a Research Day Celebration including lectures and posters on Monday, May 2, 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Research Week, May 2 - 6</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;Discovery &amp; Collaboration for Exceptional Health Care&#8221; is the theme of the National VA Research Week, May 2 &#8211; 6.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will host a Research Day Celebration including lectures and posters on Monday, May 2, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>The Clothesline Project</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/clothesline.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg" alt="shirt hanging on the clothesline" title="shirt hanging on the clothesline"><div>]]>April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#34;Clothesline Project&#34; on April 26 &amp; 27, 2011. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/clothesline_1299692804163</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/clothesline_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">shirt hanging on the clothesline</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#34;Clothesline Project&#34; on April 26 &amp; 27, 2011. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Clothesline Project</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  In an effort to raise awareness about Military Sexual Trauma and its impact, VA San Diego Healthcare System is hosting a &#34;Clothesline Project&#34; on April 26 &amp; 27, 2011. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>VA Nurse Academy Success Story</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/nurseacademy.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nurseacademy_sm.jpg" alt="Nurse Academy" title="Nurse Academy"><div>]]>Arlene Hady is a VA Nurse Academy success story. She was selected to be among the first San Diego State University nursing students to participate in the VA&#39;s prestigious Nursing Academy program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/nurseacademy_1291054955733</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/nurseacademy_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Nurse Academy</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Arlene Hady is a VA Nurse Academy success story. She was selected to be among the first San Diego State University nursing students to participate in the VA&#39;s prestigious Nursing Academy program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Nurse Academy Success Story</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Arlene Hady is a VA Nurse Academy success story. She was selected to be among the first San Diego State University nursing students to participate in the VA&#39;s prestigious Nursing Academy program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Caring for those who care</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/caregiverstory.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiverhand_sm.jpg" alt="Caregivers, helping hand" title="Caregivers, helping hand"><div>]]>November is National Family Caregivers Month.  VA San Diego Healthcare System salutes those who serve a cause greater than self and contribute to the well-being of their loved ones.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/caregiverstory_1288879165808</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/caregiverhand_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Caregivers, helping hand</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">November is National Family Caregivers Month.  VA San Diego Healthcare System salutes those who serve a cause greater than self and contribute to the well-being of their loved ones.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Caring for those who care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>November is National Family Caregivers Month.  VA San Diego Healthcare System salutes those who serve a cause greater than self and contribute to the well-being of their loved ones.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/veteransdayparade.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 06:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg" alt="Veterans Day Parade" title="Veterans Day Parade"><div>]]>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will be participating in the 24th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, November 11, 2010.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/veteransdayparade_1288703291914</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/features/veteransday.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Day Parade</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will be participating in the 24th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, November 11, 2010.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Honoring America&#39;s Heroes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Day is a special time to honor America&#39;s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and sacrifice to protect our freedom and democracy.  VA San Diego Healthcare System will be participating in the 24th Annual San Diego County Veterans Day Parade on Thursday, November 11, 2010.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Seasonal Flu Shots for Enrolled Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/features/Seasonal_Flu_Shots_for_Enrolled_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/flushot_sm.jpg" alt="Patient receiving flu shot" title="Patient receiving flu shot"><div>]]>The VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from October 12, 2010 to December 30, 2010. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment. For more information, call (858) 642-3600.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Seasonal_Flu_Shots_for_Enrolled_Veterans_1287188097876</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.sandiego.va.gov/SANDIEGO/images/flushot_sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Patient receiving flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from October 12, 2010 to December 30, 2010. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment. For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Seasonal Flu Shot</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA San Diego Healthcare System is offering FREE flu shots for all enrolled Veterans, from October 12, 2010 to December 30, 2010. Patients with a scheduled appointment will be given flu vaccine during their clinic appointment. For more information, call (858) 642-3600.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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