Message from Director Devine

Greetings Fellow Veterans, Families and Advocates,

It has been a privilege to meet with so many of you over the last couple of months. Now, I’d like to substantially increase and elevate all our outreach efforts. This is vitally important in identifying and then connecting with even more of our community partners. There is such a tremendous sea of goodwill and so many philanthropists, individuals and groups willing to help enrich the quality of life for our veterans! We want to make sure we are all working in coordination together to meet the needs and address the concerns of our veterans, military members, and their families.

During my visits, I’m finding there are three key areas emerging. They are, 1. medical transportation needs; 2. veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness; 3. and women’s health. These are tough issues but together, there are many ways we can begin to address these areas.

One of the things I’m exploring is expanding our grant writing capabilities so we can further tap into already available funding sources. Another thing you will hear about in the coming weeks is a gathering of our partners in the north and south to strengthen our bonds and create a path forward to tackle these areas.

Regarding women’s health, I have an update to provide for those living in southern Nevada. As you may already know, the VA is planning to eventually build a stand-alone Women’s Health Center on its campus. Unfortunately, the VA did not receive any bids to complete a utility loop expansion project that would have also contained the design of the stand-alone clinic. As a result, the VA could not move forward on either project. However, the loop is back on the schedule as a priority with planning anticipated in FY2025. An estimated completion date for the design is now slated in FY2026. Once that is finished, the VA will be able to move forward with new buildings, which includes the Women’s Health Clinic. That work is now anticipated to occur within the FY2027-2028 timeframe. Please know the VA is doing all it can to keep this project moving forward. In the meantime, we will keep you informed about upcoming Town Hall meetings, etc. regarding this important project.

I want to thank everyone for their support of our Memorial Day events held at both the Northern and Southern Veterans Memorial Cemeteries last month. We’re now in the process of planning for Veterans Day. As you may already know, our HQ office in Las Vegas is moving from the Grant Sawyer Building to a new address by the airport. This move will impact the location of Veterans Day this year as the Nevada State Veterans Memorial in front of the Grant Sawyer Building will also be moving. I will share more information as it becomes available! As for our HQ move-out date, it is now scheduled for June 13^th. (Check out the story on our move in this newsletter!)

Finally, If I haven’t touched base with you or your organization, please send me an email to arrange a visit, or a meeting or speaking engagement. Simply email Fanny Rizo at rizof@veterans.nv.gov to get on my calendar. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!

Warmest regards,
Col. Mary Devine
NDVS Director