Bay Pines VA Healthcare System: Complete 2026 Guide
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is a Level 1a tertiary care facility headquartered in Bay Pines, Florida, operating the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and 8 community-based outpatient clinics. It serves more than 110,000 Veterans annually across 10 counties in central southwest Florida and is the 7th busiest VA healthcare system in the country.
Quick Facts What Is the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Bay Pines VA Healthcare System (BPVAHCS) |
| Main Facility | C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center |
| Address | 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744 |
| Main Phone | 727-398-6661 |
| Toll-Free | 888-820-0230 |
| VA Health Connect | 877-741-3400 (24/7) |
| Opened | March 16, 1933 |
| Campus Size | 337 acres on the Gulf of Mexico |
| Operating Beds | 397 |
| Employees | Approximately 4,300 |
| Veterans Served Annually | 110,000+ |
| Operating Budget | $1.5 billion+ (FY2025) |
| Facilities | 9 locations across 10 counties |
| Official Website | va.gov/bay-pines-health-care |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Services Does the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Offer?
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System offers a full continuum of care, including inpatient acute care, mental health treatment, extended care, specialty services, and outpatient care. Services are available at the main medical center in Bay Pines and at 8 community-based outpatient clinics across southwest Florida.
Inpatient Acute Care
The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center provides inpatient care in general medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and rehabilitation. The medical center operates 397 beds, including intensive care units.
Mental Health Services
Mental health services are available at all points of care throughout the system. Programs include:
Individual and group psychotherapy
Psychiatric medication management
PTSD treatment (residential and outpatient)
Military sexual trauma (MST) treatment
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health intensive case management
Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI)
Bay Pines has operated a special clinic for women Veterans since June 1988, and its Residential Military Sexual Trauma Treatment Program was established in 2000.
Emergency Care
The Emergency Department at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For emergency mental health care, Veterans can come to the Bay Pines Emergency Department 24/7 regardless of discharge status or enrollment in VA health care.
Women Veterans Health
Nearly 11,000 women Veterans receive care at Bay Pines VA. Services include:
Comprehensive primary care
Gynecology and maternity care
Breast Clinic
Mental health counseling
Cancer screenings
Well Women’s Clinics at Fort Myers OPC, Naples CBOC, and Port Charlotte CBOC
Menopause treatment including hormonal therapy
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityWomen Veterans can choose the gender of their provider for both primary and specialty care.
Geriatrics and Extended Care
Bay Pines offers extensive Geriatrics and Extended Care (GEC) programs to help Veterans remain in their homes:
Home Based Primary Care (HBPC): Primary care in the home for Veterans with chronic medical problems who have trouble attending clinic appointments. Team includes physicians, nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and psychologists.
Homemaker/Home Health Aide: Assistance with personal care such as bathing and dressing through licensed home health agencies.
Community Care: Adult day care services through licensed community centers.
Caregiver/Respite: Temporary relief for caregivers of Veterans, available for inpatients and outpatients.
Telehealth: Care Coordination Home Telehealth (CCHT) program using telephones and computers to provide health care services and disease management in Veterans’ homes.
Community Living Center (CLC)
The CLC is a VA nursing home where Veterans in need of specialized care may stay for a short time or, in some instances, for the rest of their lives. The CLC at Bay Pines provides restorative nursing services and maintains resident independence and dignity.
Specialty Care
The system provides extensive specialty care including cardiology, dermatology, infectious diseases, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, audiology, and wound healing. The OEF/OIF/OND program provides Polytrauma Level III care for severely injured Veterans and service members.
Pharmacy Services
Prescriptions can be refilled online through My HealtheVet, by phone using the automated refill line, or by mail. The automated refill line is 727-398-6661 (select 1) or 888-820-0230 (toll-free from outside the Bay Pines area).
Research and Teaching
The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is a teaching hospital affiliated with the University of South Florida College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University School of Osteopathic Medicine. It trains more than 40 medical residents and 700+ medical and nursing students annually. Major research areas include audiology, cardiology, dermatology, infectious diseases, mental health, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, and wound healing.
Where Are the Bay Pines VA Facilities Located?
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System operates 9 facilities across 10 counties in central southwest Florida. The system serves Veterans in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties.
| Facility | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center | 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744 | Full inpatient, outpatient, emergency, specialty |
| Bradenton VA Clinic | Bradenton, FL | Primary care, specialty |
| Cape Coral VA Clinic | Cape Coral, FL | Primary care, specialty |
| Naples VA Clinic | Naples, FL | Primary care, Well Women’s Clinic |
| North Pinellas VA Clinic | Palm Harbor, FL | Primary care, specialty |
| Port Charlotte VA Clinic | Port Charlotte, FL | Primary care, Well Women’s Clinic |
| Sarasota VA Clinic | Sarasota, FL | Primary care, specialty |
| St. Petersburg VA Clinic | St. Petersburg, FL | Primary care, specialty |
| Sebring VA Clinic | 2931 New Life Way, Sebring, FL 33870 | Primary care, mental health, home-based primary care |
New Sebring VA Clinic (Opened December 2025)
The new Sebring VA Clinic opened on December 8, 2025. Located 2.1 miles south of the previous facility, it provides 14,600 square feet of space and is projected to serve more than 5,000 Veterans annually. The clinic features an area for home-based primary care services, expanded mental health services with space for shared group therapy, and an integrated care model including clinical pharmacists, social workers, and dietitians.
New Port Charlotte VA Clinic (Planned)
Bay Pines VA announced the procurement of a lease for a replacement VA Clinic in Port Charlotte in January 2025. The new clinic will offer 28,016 square feet of space to better serve more than 10,000 Veterans treated at that location annually. The address is 0 N Main St., North Port, FL 34286, less than 13 miles from the current location and less than three miles from I-75 S.
History of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System opened on March 16, 1933, as the “National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.” It is the second oldest veterans hospital in Florida and was built on 337 acres at Seminole Point on the Gulf of Mexico.
Key Historical Milestones
1929: Senator Duncan U. Fletcher introduced a bill appropriating $2 million for a Soldiers’ Home in Florida
1931: Seminole Point was chosen as the site on May 26
1933: The main hospital and domiciliary unit opened on March 16. Within days, 17 men joined the domiciliary. The first patient was treated on March 19, 1933
1934: Seminole Point was renamed Bay Pines
1937: A 52-bed domiciliary for female Veterans opened
1959-1961: Funds approved for a 140-bed addition; a domiciliary building was converted to add 160 hospital beds
1973: The original Nursing Home Care Unit opened
1976: Following efforts by Congressman Bill Young and a visit by President Ford, $110 million in appropriations was announced for expansion
2013: The medical center was renamed in honor of the late C.W. Bill Young, who represented Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 1971 to 2013
2023: Bay Pines VA and National Cemetery celebrated 90 years of service
The Bay Pines VA campus was originally larger than needed, and surplus land was given to the local community over the decades, including 359 acres in 1966 to Pinellas County for War Memorial Park.
Bay Pines VA Leadership
Current Executive Director: David VanMeter
David VanMeter became the executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in April 2026. He previously served as deputy director at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa since 2016. VanMeter said one of his missions is for Veterans to trust him and their facilities. “You cannot beg, borrow, buy, or steal your way into VA care,” he said. “You can only earn the right to be here”.
Recent Leadership Transition
Prior to VanMeter’s appointment, Dr. Derek Szafranski served as Interim Director and CEO. Dr. Szafranski earned his PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Houston and completed his clinical internship at the National Center for PTSD in Boston. He previously served at the Ralph H. Johnson VA in Charleston, SC, and the Orlando VA Healthcare System.
Other Key Leadership
Sean Turner, Associate Director: Oversight of Environmental Management Service, Facilities Management Service, Healthcare Technology Management Service, and Police Service
Justina L. Wells, Interim Deputy Director: Oversight of all business operations
Bay Pines VA Emergency Care
The Emergency Department at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is located in Building 100F at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744.
When to Go to the Emergency Department
For serious, life-threatening health emergencies such as:
Severe chest pain
Seizures
Heavy uncontrollable bleeding
Moderate to severe burns
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest VA or non-VA emergency room.
Emergency Mental Health Care
For emergency mental health care, Veterans can come to the Bay Pines Emergency Department 24/7 regardless of discharge status or enrollment in VA health care. The Veterans Crisis Line is available at 988 (press 1).
Bay Pines VA Mental Health Services
Mental health services are available at all points of care throughout the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. The system offers a full range of mental health programs, including residential and outpatient treatment.
Core Mental Health Services
Individual and group psychotherapy
Psychiatric services and medication management
PTSD treatment (residential and outpatient)
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) treatment (residential program established in 2000)
Substance abuse treatment
Mental health intensive case management
Primary Care-Mental Health Integration (PC-MHI)
Suicide prevention services
How to Access Mental Health Care
Contact your primary care provider for a referral, or call the main mental health line at 727-398-6661, ext. 15619. The service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m..
Bay Pines VA Caregiver Support
The VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is a national program that offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Bay Pines VA’s CSP provides resources, training, and support to family caregivers.
Services Available
Clinical services: Assessment, counseling, and care coordination
Respite care: Temporary relief for caregivers
Training and education: Resources to help caregivers provide care
Monthly stipend: Available to qualifying post-9/11 caregivers
Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274 for support outside the Bay Pines region
To contact Bay Pines VA’s Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, call the main hospital line at 727-398-6661.
How to Apply for Care at Bay Pines VA
Eligibility Requirements
To receive care at the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, you must be enrolled in VA health care. Basic eligibility requirements include:
Service in the active military, naval, or air service
Separation under conditions other than dishonorable
Meeting minimum service requirements (generally 24 continuous months for post-1980 enlistees)
Some Veterans qualify for enhanced eligibility, including combat Veterans, Veterans with service-connected disabilities, former prisoners of war, Purple Heart recipients, and Veterans exposed to toxic substances under the PACT Act.
Application Process
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ: Application for Health Benefits
Apply online: VA.gov provides an online application
Apply by phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
Apply in person: Visit the Bay Pines Enrollment Office
Required Documents
DD-214 or separation documents
VA disability award letters (if applicable)
Income information from the previous calendar year
Insurance information (Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance)
Recent News and Developments
New Sebring VA Clinic Opened December 2025
Bay Pines VA officially opened its new Sebring VA Clinic on December 8, 2025. The 14,600-square-foot facility is projected to serve more than 5,000 Veterans annually and features expanded mental health services, home-based primary care, and integrated clinical pharmacists, social workers, and dietitians.
Port Charlotte VA Clinic Replacement
Bay Pines VA announced a lease procurement for a replacement VA Clinic in Port Charlotte in January 2025. The new 28,016-square-foot facility will enhance the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model of care, add three mental health providers, and include a 2,000-square-foot treatment space for unhoused Veterans.
CMS Three-Star Rating
Bay Pines VA Healthcare System earned a three-star rating as part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2025 hospital quality ratings. The medical center holds a 3 of 5 CMS overall star rating.
Budget and Workload
The Bay Pines system budget was $1.7 billion in 2025 and is the fourth busiest VA healthcare system in the nation, according to the Bay Pines Foundation.
Staffing Challenges
Bay Pines VA has experienced ongoing staff shortages that have impacted timeliness of service, compounded by impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Congressional committees have requested detailed data on the number and type of Veteran appointments cancelled or rescheduled due to staffing shortages at Bay Pines and Tampa VA.
Awards and Recognition
Bay Pines VA has been named a Cornerstone Recognition Award gold winner by the VA National Center for Patient Safety for eight consecutive years. The healthcare system was the first VA site in Florida to receive Stroke Certification.
Community Events
Bay Pines VA hosts an annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans outreach event, supplying hundreds of Veterans with resources for housing, work, and health care. The system also held its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center Campus, with the 2024 event beginning at 11 a.m. in the Veterans Courtyard.
Patient Support Services
Patient Advocates
Trained patient advocates are available to help Veterans get care, resolve issues with VA, and navigate the system. Contact through the main hospital line at 727-398-6661.
Medical Records
Access your medical records online through My HealtheVet or request a copy from the Release of Information office by submitting a request via Fax.
Fisher House and Lodging
Bay Pines VAHCS has two temporary lodging programs: Fisher House and Lodgetel. To be eligible, you or your family must live more than 50 miles from the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center.
Chaplain Services
The Chaplain Service staff cares for the spiritual needs of Veterans. Chapels include:
Veterans Chapel: Building 2, Room 112, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Blessed Sacrament Room: Building 100, first floor near Patriot Brew, open 24/7
Chapel at Bay Pines: Building 100, fifth floor, open 24/7
Reflection Room: Building 100, third floor, open 24/7
Native-American Prayer Mound: Lake Timucuan near the parking garage, available 24/7
Religious services include Catholic Mass on Sundays at 11:00 a.m., Protestant Service on Sundays at 9:00 a.m., and Jewish worship on specific days. Call the Chaplain Office at ext. 14264 for schedules.
Credit Union and ATM
MidFlorida Credit Union is located on campus next to Building 300. ATMs are located outside the Credit Union, in the dining area of the Patriot Café in Building 1, and in the vending machine area near the elevators in Building 100.
Veterans Benefits Services
The VA Regional Office (VARO) for the Veterans Benefits Administration is located on the Bay Pines VAHCS main campus at 9500 Bay Pines Blvd. Veterans Benefits Counselors are also available at Fort Myers OPC, employed by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs or the Disabled American Veterans.
Common Questions
What is the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System?
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is a Level 1a tertiary care facility headquartered in Bay Pines, Florida. It operates the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and 8 community-based outpatient clinics, serving more than 110,000 Veterans annually across 10 counties in central southwest Florida.
What is the phone number for Bay Pines VA?
The main phone number is 727-398-6661. The toll-free number is 888-820-0230. VA Health Connect is available 24/7 at 877-741-3400.
Where is the Bay Pines VA Medical Center located?
The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744. It sits on 337 acres on the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 8 miles northwest of downtown Saint Petersburg.
Does Bay Pines VA have an emergency room?
Yes. The Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For emergency mental health care, Veterans can come to the Bay Pines Emergency Department 24/7 regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.
What services does the Bay Pines VA offer?
Services include inpatient acute care, emergency care, mental health treatment, primary care, specialty care (cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics), women’s health, geriatrics and extended care, community living center, pharmacy, and Polytrauma Level III care.
How many facilities does Bay Pines VA operate?
Bay Pines VA operates 9 facilities: the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center in Bay Pines and 8 community-based outpatient clinics in Bradenton, Cape Coral, Naples, North Pinellas, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Sebring.
What counties does Bay Pines VA serve?
Bay Pines VA serves Veterans in 10 counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota.
Who is the director of Bay Pines VA?
David VanMeter became executive director of the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System in April 2026. He previously served as deputy director at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa since 2016.
How do I refill prescriptions at Bay Pines VA?
Refill prescriptions online through My HealtheVet, by phone using the automated refill line at 727-398-6661 (select 1) or 888-820-0230, or by mail.
Does Bay Pines VA have a women’s health clinic?
Yes. The Women’s Health Clinic provides comprehensive primary care, gynecology, maternity care, cancer screenings, and mental health counseling. Nearly 11,000 women Veterans receive care at Bay Pines VA.
What is the Community Living Center at Bay Pines?
The Community Living Center is a VA nursing home where Veterans in need of specialized care may stay for a short time or, in some cases, for the rest of their lives. It provides restorative nursing services and maintains resident independence and dignity.
How do I apply for care at Bay Pines VA?
Complete VA Form 10-10EZ online at VA.gov, by phone at 1-877-222-8387, or in person at the Bay Pines Enrollment Office. Bring your DD-214 and income information.
Does Bay Pines VA offer caregiver support?
Yes. The VA Caregiver Support Program offers clinical services, respite care, training, and financial support to family caregivers of eligible Veterans. Call 855-260-3274 for the Caregiver Support Line.
What is the history of Bay Pines VA?
Bay Pines VA opened on March 16, 1933, as the “National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers.” It is the second oldest veterans hospital in Florida. The medical center was renamed in 2013 in honor of the late Congressman C.W. Bill Young.
Is Bay Pines VA a teaching hospital?
Yes. The C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center is affiliated with the University of South Florida College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University. It trains more than 40 medical residents and 700+ medical and nursing students annually.
What is the new Sebring VA Clinic?
The new Sebring VA Clinic opened on December 8, 2025. It provides 14,600 square feet of space and is projected to serve more than 5,000 Veterans annually. It features expanded mental health services and home-based primary care.
Does Bay Pines VA have a Fisher House?
Yes. Bay Pines VAHCS has two temporary lodging programs: Fisher House and Lodgetel. To be eligible, you or your family must live more than 50 miles from the medical center.
What research does Bay Pines VA conduct?
Major research areas include audiology, cardiology, dermatology, infectious diseases, mental health, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, pulmonary medicine, and wound healing.
How do I contact a patient advocate at Bay Pines VA?
Call the main hospital line at 727-398-6661 and ask for a patient advocate. Patient advocates help Veterans resolve issues with their care and navigate the VA system.
What is the CMS rating for Bay Pines VA?
Bay Pines VA earned a three-star rating as part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2025 hospital quality ratings, with a 3 of 5 CMS overall star rating.
Key Takeaways
The Bay Pines VA Healthcare System is a Level 1a tertiary care facility headquartered in Bay Pines, Florida, operating the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center and 8 outpatient clinics.
It serves more than 110,000 Veterans annually across 10 counties in central southwest Florida and is the 7th busiest VA healthcare system in the country.
The main medical center is located at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744. Main phone: 727-398-6661.
The Emergency Department is open 24/7. For emergency mental health care, Veterans can come 24/7 regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.
Services include inpatient acute care, mental health treatment, women’s health, geriatrics and extended care, Community Living Center, and Polytrauma Level III care.
Bay Pines VA operates 9 facilities: the main medical center and clinics in Bradenton, Cape Coral, Naples, North Pinellas, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Sebring.
A new Sebring VA Clinic opened in December 2025, providing 14,600 square feet and serving more than 5,000 Veterans annually.
David VanMeter became executive director in April 2026. He previously served as deputy director at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa.
The system has an operating budget of more than $1.5 billion (FY2025) and approximately 4,300 employees.
Bay Pines VA has experienced staffing shortages impacting timeliness of service, compounded by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024.
Official Resources
VA Bay Pines Healthcare System: va.gov/bay-pines-health-care
C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Center: va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/locations
VA Health Care Enrollment: va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply
VA Form 10-10EZ: va.gov/forms/10-10ez
My HealtheVet: myhealth.va.gov
VA Caregiver Support: caregiver.va.gov
VA Mental Health Services: mentalhealth.va.gov
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)
VA Decision Reviews and Appeals: va.gov/decision-reviews
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
