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		<title>Local Features - VA Puget Sound Health Care System</title>
		<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/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>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 19:18:00 PST</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>Emergency Management</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Emergency_Management.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 16:17:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Baumann_thumb.jpg" alt="Emergency Manager James Baumann during a recent disaster exercise." title="Emergency Manager James Baumann during a recent disaster exercise."><div>]]>The emergency management program is in constant preparations for the types of events that no one wants to happen.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Emergency Manager James Baumann during a recent disaster exercise.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The emergency management program is in constant preparations for the types of events that no one wants to happen.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Prepared for the worst</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The emergency management program is in constant preparations for the types of events that no one wants to happen.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Weight Loss Challenge</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Weight_Loss_Challenge.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MOVEthumb.jpg" alt="Todd Brown is named the &#34;Biggest Loser&#34; after losing 120 pounds in 90 days during the &#34;2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge&#34; sponsored by the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program. MOVE! program Manager Karol Brown presented the award." title="Todd Brown is named the &#34;Biggest Loser&#34; after losing 120 pounds in 90 days during the &#34;2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge&#34; sponsored by the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program. MOVE! program Manager Karol Brown presented the award."><div>]]>Veterans in the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program were recognized for losing 736 pounds in a three-month period during the 2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MOVEthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Todd Brown is named the &#34;Biggest Loser&#34; after losing 120 pounds in 90 days during the &#34;2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge&#34; sponsored by the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program. MOVE! program Manager Karol Brown presented the award.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans in the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program were recognized for losing 736 pounds in a three-month period during the 2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Weight Loss Challenge!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans in the VA Puget Sound MOVE! program were recognized for losing 736 pounds in a three-month period during the 2012 VISN 20 Weight Loss Challenge.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Senator Murray visits VA Puget Sound</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Senator_Murray_visits_VA_Puget_Sound.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/SVAC1thumbnail.jpg" alt="Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary of Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel discusses the new Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at VA Puget Sound Health Care System - American Lake Division, with Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray, earlier this month." title="Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary of Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel discusses the new Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at VA Puget Sound Health Care System - American Lake Division, with Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray, earlier this month."><div>]]>Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray visited VA Puget Sound - American Lake Division earlier this month to hold a Veterans roundtable and check out the new Mental Health <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/SVAC1thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Department of Veterans Affairs Undersecretary of Health Dr. Robert A. Petzel discusses the new Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at VA Puget Sound Health Care System - American Lake Division, with Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray, earlier this month.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray visited VA Puget Sound - American Lake Division earlier this month to hold a Veterans roundtable and see the campus.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Senator Murray&#39;s visit</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Senator Patty Murray visited VA Puget Sound - American Lake Division earlier this month to hold a Veterans roundtable and check out the new Mental Health </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Are you ready to MOVE?</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Move.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/move_program_thumb.jpg" alt="Move program logo" title="Move program logo"><div>]]>MOVE! is the VA weight managment program designed for Veterans. We have a coordinator who is ready to get you started.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/move_program_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Move program logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">MOVE! is the VA weight managment program designed for Veterans. We have a coordinator who is ready to get you started.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Are you ready to Move?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>MOVE! is the VA weight managment program designed for Veterans. We have a coordinator who is ready to get you started.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Experience when it counts</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Experience_when_it_counts.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/SICU_nurses_thumb.jpg" alt="Surgical Intensive Care Unit nurses" title="Surgical Intensive Care Unit nurses"><div>]]>When they&#8217;re wheeling you into the operating room you want a skilled surgeon waiting. When they wheel you out you want to wake up in post-op to a cadre of committed nurses who care. About you.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Experience_when_it_counts_1321983278692</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/SICU_nurses_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Surgical Intensive Care Unit nurses</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When they&#8217;re wheeling you into the operating room you want a skilled surgeon waiting. When they wheel you out you want to wake up in post-op to a cadre of committed nurses who care. About you.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Experience when it counts</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When they&#8217;re wheeling you into the operating room you want a skilled surgeon waiting. When they wheel you out you want to wake up in post-op to a cadre of committed nurses who care. About you.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Director&#39;s Message for Veterans Day 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Directors_Message_for_Veterans_Day_2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:00 PST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Veterans_day_director_2011_thumb.jpg" alt="Veterans Day 2011" title="Veterans Day 2011"><div>]]>A Veterans Day message from VA Puget Sound director David Elizalde.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Veterans_day_director_2011_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Day 2011</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Day is a day that we come together as a nation to remember, honor and pay tribute to our nation&#8217;s heroes &#8211; heroes who set aside their personal safety to serve, defend and protect their family, their community and their nation from those who would threaten our way of life. 
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Message from the Director</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A Veterans Day message from VA Puget Sound director David Elizalde.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Day Celebrations</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Veterans_Day_Celebrations.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/wall_of_heroes2011_thumb.jpg" alt="Wall of Heroes Inductees Lee Jones and Marvin Glenn Shields" title="Wall of Heroes Inductees Lee Jones and Marvin Glenn Shields"><div>]]>Listing of events at VA Puget Sound celebrating Veterans Day 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/wall_of_heroes2011_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Wall of Heroes Inductees Lee Jones and Marvin Glenn Shields</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Listing of events at VA Puget Sound celebrating Veterans Day 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Day Celebrations</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Listing of events at VA Puget Sound celebrating Veterans Day 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MVP_thumbnail.jpg" alt="million veteran program logo" title="million veteran program logo"><div>]]>VA has launched an important partnership with Veterans who volunteer to better understand how genes affect health and illness.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Million_Veteran_Program_1317942710646</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MVP_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">million veteran program logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA has launched an important partnership with Veterans who volunteer to better understand how genes affect health and illness.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA has launched an important partnership with Veterans who volunteer to better understand how genes affect health and illness.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Flu shots for 2011-12 flu season</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Flu_Shots_for_2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Flu-Shots-2011_thumb.jpg" alt="Flu shot poster" title="Flu shot poster"><div>]]>Veteran Flu Shots are now available for all Scheduled Appointments.  Additional options for Veterans include drive-through clinics Seattle and American Lake and walk-ins at all locations.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Flu_Shots_for_2011_1317657215191</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Flu-Shots-2011_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Flu shot poster</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veteran Flu Shots are now available for all Scheduled Appointments.  Additional options for Veterans include drive-through clinics Seattle and American Lake and walk-ins at all locations.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Get your flu immunization</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veteran Flu Shots are now available for all Scheduled Appointments.  Additional options for Veterans include drive-through clinics Seattle and American Lake and walk-ins at all locations.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Emergency Department Dedication</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Emergency_Department_Dedication.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/ED_opening_thumb.jpg" alt="Emergency Department Dedication invitation" title="Emergency Department Dedication invitation"><div>]]>The Emergency Department in Seattle will be dedicated on October 14.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Emergency_Department_Dedication_1316017980011</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/ED_opening_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Emergency Department Dedication invitation</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Emergency Department in Seattle will be dedicated on October 14.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Emergency Dept. Dedication</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Emergency Department in Seattle will be dedicated on October 14.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Electronic Record Exchange</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Electronic_Record_Exchange.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VLER_thumb.jpg" alt="keyboard photo" title="keyboard photo"><div>]]>VA Puget Sound will partner with MultiCare Health System and Madigan Healthcare System to exchange health information electronically for Veterans who participate in the pilot.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Electronic_Record_Exchange_1315603300054</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VLER_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">keyboard photo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound will partner with MultiCare Health System and Madigan Healthcare System to exchange health information electronically for Veterans who participate in the pilot.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Electronic Record Sharing</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound will partner with MultiCare Health System and Madigan Healthcare System to exchange health information electronically for Veterans who participate in the pilot.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Suicide Prevention Week 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/National_Suicide_Prevention_Week_2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Veterans_Crisis_Line_thumb.jpg" alt="Veterans crisis line 18002738255" title="Veterans crisis line 18002738255"><div>]]>National Suicide Prevention Week is September 4&#8211;10, 2011. Can you tell when a Veteran you know is at risk of suicide? Do you know how to support a Veteran in crisis? <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/National_Suicide_Prevention_Week_2011_1315347490896</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Veterans_Crisis_Line_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans crisis line 18002738255</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">National Suicide Prevention Week is September 4&#8211;10, 2011. Can you tell when a Veteran you know is at risk of suicide? Do you know how to support a Veteran in crisis? </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Suicide Prevention Week</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>National Suicide Prevention Week is September 4&#8211;10, 2011. Can you tell when a Veteran you know is at risk of suicide? Do you know how to support a Veteran in crisis? </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Seattle Met Top Doctors 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Seattle_Met_Top_Doctors_2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Seattle_Met_Top_Docs_thumb.jpg" alt="Cover of Seattle Met Magazine" title="Cover of Seattle Met Magazine"><div>]]>Seattle Met Magazine recently announced their list of top doctors in the Puget Sound region and we are well represented. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Seattle_Met_Top_Doctors_2011_1315335924204</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Seattle_Met_Top_Docs_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cover of Seattle Met Magazine</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Seattle Met Magazine recently announced their list of top doctors in the Puget Sound region and we are well represented. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Seattle Met Magazine Top Docs</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Seattle Met Magazine recently announced their list of top doctors in the Puget Sound region and we are well represented. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Chronic Conditions Class</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Chronic_Conditions_Class.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:45:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/chronic_conditions_thumb.jpg" alt="chronic conditions" title="chronic conditions"><div>]]>A free, six-week workshop for veterans, their support person and/or caregivers with chronic health concerns. Starts September 13.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Chronic_Conditions_Class_1314744804105</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/chronic_conditions_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">chronic conditions</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A free, six-week workshop for veterans, their support person and/or caregivers with chronic health concerns. Starts September 13.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Help for Chronic Conditions</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A free, six-week workshop for veterans, their support person and/or caregivers with chronic health concerns. Starts September 13.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Surgical Robot Unveiled</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Surgical_Robot_Unveiled.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/robot_thumb.jpg" alt="Robot manages dexterity tasks" title="Robot manages dexterity tasks"><div>]]>With much fanfare, the VA&#8217;s first da Vinci surgical robot in the Pacific Northwest was displayed for Veterans and staff at the Seattle division on August 11.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Surgical_Robot_Unveiled_1313188722803</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/robot_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Robot manages dexterity tasks</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With much fanfare, the VA&#8217;s first da Vinci surgical robot in the Pacific Northwest was displayed for Veterans and staff at the Seattle division on August 11.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Surgical robot unveiled</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With much fanfare, the VA&#8217;s first da Vinci surgical robot in the Pacific Northwest was displayed for Veterans and staff at the Seattle division on August 11.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A true advocate for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/atrueadvocateforveterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/watsonthumb.jpg" alt="Taylene Watson, Director of Social Work" title="Taylene Watson, Director of Social Work"><div>]]>To become a social worker is a choice to serve those who are dealing with some of life&#8217;s most difficult circumstances. Taylene Watson has made a career of working with Veterans who come to VA for help.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/atrueadvocateforveterans_1311354400054</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/watsonthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Taylene Watson, Director of Social Work</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To become a social worker is a choice to serve those who are dealing with some of life&#8217;s most difficult circumstances. Taylene Watson has made a career of working with Veterans who come to VA for help.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A true advocate for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To become a social worker is a choice to serve those who are dealing with some of life&#8217;s most difficult circumstances. Taylene Watson has made a career of working with Veterans who come to VA for help.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Puget Sound News July/August 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/pugetsoundnewsjulyaugust2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsjulyaugustthumb.jpg" alt="Puget Sound News July/August 2011 - Facility Newsletter" title="Puget Sound News July/August 2011 - Facility Newsletter"><div>]]>Puget Sound News July/August 2011 - Facility Newsletter is now online! The Puget Sound News is the facility newsletter from your VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. Capturing the latest in patient care, research highlights and program announcements, Puget Sound News is your way to stay current with your VA.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsjulyaugustthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Puget Sound News July/August 2011 - Facility Newsletter</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The newest edition of Puget Sound News is online! In this edition find out about how local rockstar is giving back to Veterans and more.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Puget Sound News now available</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Puget Sound News July/August 2011 - Facility Newsletter is now online! The Puget Sound News is the facility newsletter from your VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. Capturing the latest in patient care, research highlights and program announcements, Puget Sound News is your way to stay current with your VA.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Childcare for Veterans at American Lake in 2012</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Childcare_at_American_Lake_in_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:45:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/children_thumb.jpg" alt="children" title="children"><div>]]>Childcare for Veterans will be offered by summer 2012 for Veterans using the American Lake Division for their health care appointments.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Childcare_at_American_Lake_in_2012_1310771040623</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/children_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">children</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Childcare for Veterans will be offered by summer 2012 for Veterans using the American Lake Division for their health care appointments.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Childcare for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Childcare for Veterans will be offered by summer 2012 for Veterans using the American Lake Division for their health care appointments.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Invisible Yet Essential</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Invisible_Yet_Essential.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/lab_thumb.jpg" alt="lab technician" title="lab technician"><div>]]>&#8220;The Lab&#8221; as it&#8217;s called by patients and staff, is home to pathologists, medical technologists, histotechnologists, medical laboratory technicians and health technicians who support nearly 90 percent of all diagnoses at VA Puget Sound.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Invisible_Yet_Essential_1309476428502</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/lab_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">lab technician</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The lab supports nearly 90 percent of all diagnoses at VA Puget Sound.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Lab: Invisible Yet Essential</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;The Lab&#8221; as it&#8217;s called by patients and staff, is home to pathologists, medical technologists, histotechnologists, medical laboratory technicians and health technicians who support nearly 90 percent of all diagnoses at VA Puget Sound.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2011 Seattle Magazine Top Doctors </title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/2011_Seattle_Magazine_Top_Doctors.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/2011_Seattle_Magazine_Top_Docs_Thumb.jpg" alt="2011 top doctors" title="2011 top doctors"><div>]]>Over a dozen VA Puget Sound doctors were recognized as the best by their peers in Seattle Magazine&#39;s annual &#34;Top Doctors&#34; issue.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2011_Seattle_Magazine_Top_Doctors_1309468745217</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/2011_Seattle_Magazine_Top_Docs_Thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">2011 top doctors</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Over a dozen VA Puget Sound doctors were recognized as the best by their peers in Seattle Magazine&#39;s annual &#34;Top Doctors&#34; issue.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2011 Seattle Magazine Top Docs</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Over a dozen VA Puget Sound doctors were recognized as the best by their peers in Seattle Magazine&#39;s annual &#34;Top Doctors&#34; issue.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>PTSD Awareness Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/PTSD_Awareness_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/PTSD-Awareness_day_thumb.jpg" alt="ptsd awareness day logo" title="ptsd awareness day logo"><div>]]>The more we know about dealing with trauma and PTSD, the more we can help others, loved ones, or even ourselves.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/PTSD_Awareness_Day_1309191669950</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/PTSD-Awareness_day_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">ptsd awareness day logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The more we know about dealing with trauma and PTSD, the more we can help others, loved ones, or even ourselves.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">PTSD Awareness Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The more we know about dealing with trauma and PTSD, the more we can help others, loved ones, or even ourselves.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Diet could affect Alzheimer&#39;s disease</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Diet_could_affect_Alzheimer_s_Disease.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:20:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/alzheimers_food_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Fruit stand" title="Fruit stand"><div>]]>Diets that are low in saturated fat and rich in carbohydrates that steady blood sugar and insulin can beneficially change levels of substances associated with the development of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, a new study shows. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Diet_could_affect_Alzheimer_s_Disease_1308259239428</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/alzheimers_food_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Fruit stand</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Diets that are low in saturated fat and rich in carbohydrates that steady blood sugar and insulin can beneficially change levels of substances associated with the development of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, a new study shows. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Diet could affect Alzheimer&#39;s</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Diets that are low in saturated fat and rich in carbohydrates that steady blood sugar and insulin can beneficially change levels of substances associated with the development of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, a new study shows. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Duff McKagan about why he supports our Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/duffvideo.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/duffthumb.jpg" alt="Duff McKagan about why he supports our Veterans" title="Duff McKagan about why he supports our Veterans"><div>]]>Seattle native Duff McKagan shares how the story of an injured Veteran coming back from Iraq inspired him to write a song and develop a relationship with VA Puget Sound, including holding an auction that benefits our general patient fund. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/duffvideo_1307553256907</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/duffthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Duff McKagan about why he supports our Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Seattle native Duff McKagan shares how the story of an injured Veteran coming back from Iraq inspired him to write a song and develop a relationship with VA Puget Sound, including holding an auction that benefits our general patient fund. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Local band reaches out to Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Seattle native Duff McKagan shares how the story of an injured Veteran coming back from Iraq inspired him to write a song and develop a relationship with VA Puget Sound, including holding an auction that benefits our general patient fund. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Rolling and Strolling for VA2K</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Rolling_and_Strolling_for_VA2K.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA2K_thumb.jpg" alt="walkers at the Seattle VA2K" title="walkers at the Seattle VA2K"><div>]]>VA hosted its first-ever nationwide 2K walk and roll events at VA facilities in support of National Employee Wellness Month.  VA encourages employees at all levels of fitness to join in a fun, short walk for wellness and to benefit homeless Veterans.

<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Rolling_and_Strolling_for_VA2K_1307052920097</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA2K_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">walkers at the Seattle VA2K</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA hosted its first-ever nationwide 2K walk and roll events at VA facilities in support of National Employee Wellness Month.  VA encourages employees at all levels of fitness to join in a fun, short walk for wellness and to benefit homeless Veterans.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Rolling and Strolling for VA2K</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA hosted its first-ever nationwide 2K walk and roll events at VA facilities in support of National Employee Wellness Month.  VA encourages employees at all levels of fitness to join in a fun, short walk for wellness and to benefit homeless Veterans.

</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Secretary visits</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/VA_Secretary_visits.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 11:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/shinseki_thumb.jpg" alt="VA secretary eric k. shinseki" title="VA secretary eric k. shinseki"><div>]]>VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki visited VA Puget Sound on June 1, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Secretary_visits_1307037826408</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/shinseki_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA secretary eric k. shinseki</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki visits VA Puget Sound.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Secretary visits Seattle</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki visited VA Puget Sound on June 1, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Memorial Day message from the Secretary</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Memorial_Day_message_from_the_Secretary.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 31 May 2011 08:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg" alt="VA seal" title="VA seal"><div>]]>Memorial Day message from Secretary Eric P. Shinseki.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Memorial_Day_message_from_the_Secretary_1306854830978</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA seal</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Memorial Day message from Secretary Eric K. Shinseki.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Memorial Day message</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Memorial Day message from Secretary Eric P. Shinseki.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Puget Sound News May/June 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/pugetsoundnewsmay2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 May 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsthumb.jpg" alt="Puget Sound News May/June 2011" title="Puget Sound News May/June 2011"><div>]]>Puget Sound News May/June 2011<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/pugetsoundnewsmay2011_1305844739962</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Puget Sound News May/June 2011</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Puget Sound News is the quarterly newsletter from your VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. Capturing the latest in patient care, research highlights and program announcements, Puget Sound News is your way to stay current with your VA.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Puget Sound News May/June 2011</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Puget Sound News May/June 2011</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteers&#39; importance recognized</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Volunteers_importance_recognized.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Volunteer-Awards_2011_thumb.jpg" alt="Volunteers recognized at luncheon" title="Volunteers recognized at luncheon"><div>]]>VA Puget Sound&#8217;s Voluntary Service held their annual Volunteer Recognition &amp; Awards Luncheon last Tuesday, May 3rd at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Volunteers_importance_recognized_1304970048245</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Volunteer-Awards_2011_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Volunteers recognized at luncheon</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound&#8217;s Voluntary Service held their annual Volunteer Recognition &amp; Awards Luncheon last Tuesday, May 3rd at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteers celebrated</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound&#8217;s Voluntary Service held their annual Volunteer Recognition &amp; Awards Luncheon last Tuesday, May 3rd at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Washington.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MRSA slowed at VA hospitals</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/MRSA_slowed_at_VA_hospitals.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:15:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MRSA-thumbnail.jpg" alt="Microscopic image of MRSA " title="Microscopic image of MRSA "><div>]]>VA infection control practices have show to be effective against the spread of MRSA. The Seattle Times VA Puget Sound was highlighted previously for it&#39;s infection control practices. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MRSA_slowed_at_VA_hospitals_1302812487515</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/MRSA-thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Microscopic image of MRSA </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA infection control practices have show to be effective against the spread of MRSA. The Seattle Times also previously  highlighted VA Puget Sound for its infection control practices. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MRSA infections slowed</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA infection control practices have show to be effective against the spread of MRSA. The Seattle Times VA Puget Sound was highlighted previously for it&#39;s infection control practices. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>I Do It For the Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/I_Do_It_For_the_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Theresa_rodgers_thumb.jpg" alt="Theresa Rodgers and Director David Elizalde" title="Theresa Rodgers and Director David Elizalde"><div>]]>Volunteer Theresa Rodgers is one of several volunteers nationwide being recognized for their special service to our patients.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/I_Do_It_For_the_Veterans_1302645250839</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Theresa_rodgers_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Theresa Rodgers and Director David Elizalde</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Volunteer Theresa Rodgers is one of several volunteers nationwide being recognized for their special service to our patients.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;I do it for the Veterans&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Volunteer Theresa Rodgers is one of several volunteers nationwide being recognized for their special service to our patients.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Puget Sound News Spring 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/pugetsoundnewsspring2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsthumb.jpg" alt="Puget Sound News Spring 2011" title="Puget Sound News Spring 2011"><div>]]>The quarterly &#34;Puget Sound News&#34; is now available! In this edition, learn about how we are taking on Veteran homelessness, preparing for emergencies and how we celebrate our amazing volunteers!<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/pugetsoundnewsspring2011_1302650029619</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/pugetsoundnewsthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Puget Sound News Spring 2011</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The quarterly &#34;Puget Sound News&#34; is now available! In this edition, learn about how we are taking on Veteran homelessness, preparing for emergencies and how we celebrate our amazing volunteers!</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Puget Sound News now available</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The quarterly &#34;Puget Sound News&#34; is now available! In this edition, learn about how we are taking on Veteran homelessness, preparing for emergencies and how we celebrate our amazing volunteers!</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2010 Annual Report</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/2010AnnualReport.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/annualreportthumb.jpg" alt="VA Puget Sound Annual Report" title="VA Puget Sound Annual Report"><div>]]>The VA Puget Sound 2010 Annual Report is now available. This recap highlights the successes and acheivements of the past year while providing a look back at the Veterans and staff who make up VA Puget Sound.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2010AnnualReport_1302109302913</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/annualreportthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Puget Sound Annual Report</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Puget Sound 2010 Annual Report is now available. This recap highlights the successes and acheivements of the past year while providing a look back at the Veterans and staff who make up VA Puget Sound.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2010 in review</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Puget Sound 2010 Annual Report is now available. This recap highlights the successes and acheivements of the past year while providing a look back at the Veterans and staff who make up VA Puget Sound.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Puget Sound Doc recognized as one of the country&#39;s best</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/palmeraward.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/palmerthumb.jpg" alt="Dr. Jerry Palmer, 2011 ADA Physician/Clinician  of the Year" title="Dr. Jerry Palmer, 2011 ADA Physician/Clinician  of the Year"><div>]]>Despite being identified more than 2,500 years ago, the fight against diabetes continues today. More than 25 million Americans have diabetes and the disease contributes to more than 200,000 deaths a year. Fortunately for Veterans living in the Pacific Northwest, there are physicians like Jerry Palmer looking for new and better ways to treat it.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/palmeraward_1301936485814</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/palmerthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Jerry Palmer, 2011 ADA Physician/Clinician  of the Year</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Despite being identified more than 2,500 years ago, the fight against diabetes continues today. More than 25 million Americans have diabetes and the disease contributes to more than 200,000 deaths a year. Fortunately for Veterans living in the Pacific Northwest, there are physicians like Jerry Palmer looking for new and better ways to treat it.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Devoted to Defeating Diabetes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Despite being identified more than 2,500 years ago, the fight against diabetes continues today. More than 25 million Americans have diabetes and the disease contributes to more than 200,000 deaths a year. Fortunately for Veterans living in the Pacific Northwest, there are physicians like Jerry Palmer looking for new and better ways to treat it.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Answering a call to serve</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Answering_a_call_to_serve.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/chaplain_thumb.jpg" alt="Stained window at the American Lake Chapel" title="Stained window at the American Lake Chapel"><div>]]>While the popular notion of a chaplain is someone who comforts a dying patient and their family through end of life support, the chaplain program at VA Puget Sound is much more.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Answering_a_call_to_serve_1301436454271</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/chaplain_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Stained window at the American Lake Chapel</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">While the popular notion of a chaplain is someone who comforts a dying patient and their family through end of life support, the chaplain program at VA Puget Sound is much more.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Answering a higher calling</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>While the popular notion of a chaplain is someone who comforts a dying patient and their family through end of life support, the chaplain program at VA Puget Sound is much more.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Overcoming Hidden Wounds</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Overcoming_Hidden_Wounds.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/TBI_VA_thumb.jpg" alt="Veteran Hubert Wright with Occupational Therapist Mary Graddon completing a memory task." title="Veteran Hubert Wright with Occupational Therapist Mary Graddon completing a memory task."><div>]]>The Center for Polytrauma Care at VA Puget Sound help Veterans manage and overcome brain injuries.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Overcoming_Hidden_Wounds_1299112524721</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/TBI_VA_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran Hubert Wright with Occupational Therapist Mary Graddon completing a memory task.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Center for Polytrauma Care at VA Puget Sound help Veterans manage and overcome brain injuries.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Overcoming Hidden Wounds</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Center for Polytrauma Care at VA Puget Sound help Veterans manage and overcome brain injuries.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Announces Budget Request for 2012</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/VA_Announces_Budget_Request_for_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg" alt="Department of Veterans Affairs seal" title="Department of Veterans Affairs seal"><div>]]>VA Announces Budget Request for 2012<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Announces_Budget_Request_for_2012_1297724260060</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Department of Veterans Affairs seal</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In announcing the proposed budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) during the next fiscal year, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki emphasized &#8220;making every dollar&#8221; count in the $132 billion budget proposal for VA.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Budget request for 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Announces Budget Request for 2012</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Salute to Veteran Patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/National_Salute_to_Veteran_Patients.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Feb 2011 14:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/natl_salute_thumb.jpg" alt="national salute to veterans seal" title="national salute to veterans seal"><div>]]>Local celebrities, veterans service organization representatives and other community groups and individuals will be visiting our patients throughout this special week as an expression of recognition and thanks for their service and sacrifices.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/National_Salute_to_Veteran_Patients_1296772617826</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/natl_salute_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">national salute to veterans seal</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each year during the week of Valentine&#8217;s Day, VA celebrates the National Salute to Veterans.  Local celebrities, veterans service organization representatives and other community groups and individuals will be visiting our patients throughout this special week as an expression of recognition and thanks for their service and sacrifices.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Celebrating our patients!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Local celebrities, veterans service organization representatives and other community groups and individuals will be visiting our patients throughout this special week as an expression of recognition and thanks for their service and sacrifices.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Prosthetics career a good fit</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Prosthetics_career_a_good_fit.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:45:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/biggs_wayne_thumb.jpg" alt="VA Puget Sound research prosthetist Wayne Biggs" title="VA Puget Sound research prosthetist Wayne Biggs"><div>]]>Prosthetist-Orthotist Wayne Biggs can empathize with his patients and provide a unique perspective in his research work.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Prosthetics_career_a_good_fit_1296575016126</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/biggs_wayne_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Puget Sound research prosthetist Wayne Biggs</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Wayne Biggs can empathize with his patients and provide a unique perspective in his research work in prosthetics.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Prosthetics career a good fit</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Prosthetist-Orthotist Wayne Biggs can empathize with his patients and provide a unique perspective in his research work.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2011 Wear Red Day </title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/2011_Wear_Red_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:45:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/red_for_women_day_2011_thumb.jpg" alt="Wear Red Day 2011" title="Wear Red Day 2011"><div>]]>Wearing red on February 4, 2011 helps to create awareness of heart disease in women and of the need to protect heart health.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2011_Wear_Red_Day_1296157775666</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/red_for_women_day_2011_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Wear Red Day 2011</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Wearing red on February 4, 2011 helps to create awareness of heart disease in women and of the need to protect heart health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2011 Wear Red Day </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Wearing red on February 4, 2011 helps to create awareness of heart disease in women and of the need to protect heart health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Building Renovations at American Lake</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Building_Renovations_at_American_Lake.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg" alt="seal of the department of veterans affairs" title="seal of the department of veterans affairs"><div>]]>Renovations will temporarily displace some services at the American Lake Division.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Building_Renovations_at_American_Lake_1294961508598</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">seal of the department of veterans affairs</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Renovations will temporarily displace some services at the American Lake Division.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">American Lake renovations</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Renovations will temporarily displace some services at the American Lake Division.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>WDVA Oustanding Employee Award goes to American Lake counselor</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/WDVA_Oustanding_Employee_Award_goes_to_American_Lake_counselor.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 2011 12:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Mark_Schaefer_WDVA_Outstanding_employee_thumb.jpg" alt="VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde and awardee Mark Schaefer" title="VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde and awardee Mark Schaefer"><div>]]>The Washington Governor&#8217;s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, recognized American Lake Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Mark Schaefer with the 2010 &#8220;Outstanding Service to Veterans&#8221; award.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/WDVA_Oustanding_Employee_Award_goes_to_American_Lake_counselor_1294435112876</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Mark_Schaefer_WDVA_Outstanding_employee_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde and awardee Mark Schaefer</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Washington Governor&#8217;s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, recognized American Lake Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Mark Schaefer with the 2010 &#8220;Outstanding Service to Veterans&#8221; award.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">State award to VA staff</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Washington Governor&#8217;s Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee, recognized American Lake Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Mark Schaefer with the 2010 &#8220;Outstanding Service to Veterans&#8221; award.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Associate Director of Nursing</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/New_Associate_Director_of_Nursing.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 06 Jan 2011 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Allen_Karen_thumb.jpg" alt="Department of Veterans Affairs seal" title="Department of Veterans Affairs seal"><div>]]>Karen Allen starts as the new Associate Director of Nursing. Ms. Allen comes to VA Puget Sound from VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_Associate_Director_of_Nursing_1294269051193</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/Allen_Karen_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Department of Veterans Affairs seal</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Karen Allen starts as the new Associate Director of Nursing. Ms. Allen comes to VA Puget Sound from VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Director of Nursing named</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Karen Allen starts as the new Associate Director of Nursing. Ms. Allen comes to VA Puget Sound from VA Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Approach to Smoking Cessation Boosts Quit Rates for Veterans with PTSD</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/New_Approach_to_Smoking_Cessation_Boosts_Quit_Rates_for_Veterans_with_PTSD.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg" alt="Department of Veterans Affairs seal" title="Department of Veterans Affairs seal"><div>]]>VA Puget Sound researchers lead the way in finding new techniques to help patients quit and stay smoke-free.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_Approach_to_Smoking_Cessation_Boosts_Quit_Rates_for_Veterans_with_PTSD_1291918184132</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Department of Veterans Affairs seal</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound researchers lead the way in finding new techniques to help patients with PTSD quit and stay tobacco-free.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Smoking cessation study</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound researchers lead the way in finding new techniques to help patients quit and stay smoke-free.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ash Grove Flag Is a Beacon for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Ash_Grove_Flag_Is_a_Beacon.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/AshGgrove_thumbnail.jpg" alt="The flag at Ash Grove Cement company." title="The flag at Ash Grove Cement company."><div>]]>The lighted American flag at the Ash Grove Cement Company inspires Veterans at the Seattle hospital.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ash_Grove_Flag_Is_a_Beacon_1291674586710</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/AshGgrove_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The flag at Ash Grove Cement company.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The lighted American flag at the Ash Grove Cement Company inspires Veterans at the Seattle hospital.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flag inspires Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The lighted American flag at the Ash Grove Cement Company inspires Veterans at the Seattle hospital.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Plaques stolen from Tahoma National Cemetery</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Plaques_stolen_from_Tahoma_National_Cemetery.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:40:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg" alt="va, seal, veterans, administration, affairs" title="va, seal, veterans, administration, affairs"><div>]]>A theft of several bronze plaques occurred at Tahoma National Cemetery. Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to contact the King County Sheriff&#39;s Department.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Plaques_stolen_from_Tahoma_National_Cemetery_1291135526140</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/VA_Sealthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">va, seal, veterans, administration, affairs</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A theft of several bronze plaques occurred at Tahoma National Cemetery. Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to contact the King County Sheriff&#39;s Department.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Theft at National Cemetery</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A theft of several bronze plaques occurred at Tahoma National Cemetery. Anyone with information about the theft is encouraged to contact the King County Sheriff&#39;s Department.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Puget Sound Recognized with Prestigious Beacon Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/VA_Puget_Sound_recognized_with_prestigious_Beacon_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Nov 2010 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/beaconsmall.jpg" alt="VA Puget Sound Recognized with Prestigious Beacon Award" title="VA Puget Sound Recognized with Prestigious Beacon Award"><div>]]>Congratulations to the VA Puget Sound Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) on recently being named an American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Beacon Award Winner! This award recognizes the nation&#39;s top hospital critical care units that exhibit high quality standards, exceptional care of patients and their families, and healthy work environments. VA Puget Sound is only the second VA to be awarded the Beacon Award.

<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Puget_Sound_recognized_with_prestigious_Beacon_Award_1290104690677</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/beaconsmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Puget Sound Recognized with Prestigious Beacon Award</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Congratulations to the VA Puget Sound Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) on recently being named an American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Beacon Award Winner! This award recognizes the nation&#39;s top hospital critical care units that exhibit high quality standards, exceptional care of patients and their families, and healthy work environments. VA Puget Sound is only the second VA to be awarded the Beacon Award.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Recognized for excellence</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Congratulations to the VA Puget Sound Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) on recently being named an American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Beacon Award Winner! This award recognizes the nation&#39;s top hospital critical care units that exhibit high quality standards, exceptional care of patients and their families, and healthy work environments. VA Puget Sound is only the second VA to be awarded the Beacon Award.

</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Flowers for Veterans Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Flowers_for_Veterans_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/gardensmall.jpg" alt="A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. " title="A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. "><div>]]>A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Flowers_for_Veterans_Day_1289929617445</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/gardensmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flowers for Veterans Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A local garden club donated floral arrangements to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound for Veterans Day. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Operation Enduring Families supports those who care for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/enduringfamily.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/enduringfamilysmall.jpg" alt="Operation Enduring Families supports those who care for Veterans" title="Operation Enduring Families supports those who care for Veterans"><div>]]>For returning combat Veterans, VA has many ways to reach out and help them transition into civilian life. Vet Centers, VA medical centers and community based outpatient clinics along with education and home loan programs are all relatively well known and can be found easily with a simple online search. But for the families of these Veterans, sometimes the resources are a little more difficult to find. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/enduringfamily_1288979687854</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/enduringfamilysmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Operation Enduring Families supports those who care for Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For returning combat Veterans, VA has many ways to reach out and help them transition into civilian life. Vet Centers, VA medical centers and community based outpatient clinics along with education and home loan programs are all relatively well known and can be found easily with a simple online search. But for the families of these Veterans, sometimes the resources are a little more difficult to find. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Supporting the loved ones</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For returning combat Veterans, VA has many ways to reach out and help them transition into civilian life. Vet Centers, VA medical centers and community based outpatient clinics along with education and home loan programs are all relatively well known and can be found easily with a simple online search. But for the families of these Veterans, sometimes the resources are a little more difficult to find. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Northwest African American Museum features VA staff</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Northwest_African_American_Museum_features_VA_staff.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 14:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/NAAMthumbnail.jpg" alt="Northwest African American Museum&#39;s &#34;Checking our Pulse&#34; exhibit" title="Northwest African American Museum&#39;s &#34;Checking our Pulse&#34; exhibit"><div>]]>VA Puget Sound is proud to have a current and recently retired staff member featured for their groundbreaking work in medicine.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Northwest_African_American_Museum_features_VA_staff_1288385664327</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/NAAMthumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Northwest African American Museum&#39;s &#34;Checking our Pulse&#34; exhibit</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound is proud to have a current and recently retired staff member featured for their groundbreaking work in medicine.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Museum honors staff</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound is proud to have a current and recently retired staff member featured for their groundbreaking work in medicine.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA nurse dedicates career to transplant patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/VA_nurse_dedicates_career_to_transplant_patients.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/leahysmall.jpg" alt="Janet Leahy stands in the bone marrow unit which she helped start almost 30 years ago" title="Janet Leahy stands in the bone marrow unit which she helped start almost 30 years ago"><div>]]>In April of 1982, Janet Leahy came to VA Puget Sound to help start the first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in a VA hospital. Now, almost 30 years later, Leahy is now the nurse manager of the same unit and has helped more than 1,000 Veterans undergo the transplant procedure. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_nurse_dedicates_career_to_transplant_patients_1288282669676</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/leahysmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Janet Leahy stands in the bone marrow unit which she helped start almost 30 years ago</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In April of 1982, Janet Leahy came to VA Puget Sound to help start the first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in a VA hospital. Now, almost 30 years later, Leahy is now the nurse manager of the same unit and has helped more than 1,000 Veterans undergo the transplant procedure. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A career dedicated to Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In April of 1982, Janet Leahy came to VA Puget Sound to help start the first Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in a VA hospital. Now, almost 30 years later, Leahy is now the nurse manager of the same unit and has helped more than 1,000 Veterans undergo the transplant procedure. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Physician assistant wins humanitarian award</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Physician_assistant_wins_humanitarian_award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/bounkeuathumb.jpg" alt="Phoumy Bounkeua and his students in Laos" title="Phoumy Bounkeua and his students in Laos"><div>]]>Physician assistant Phoumy Bounkeua&#39;s life path led him to care for others not only at VA Puget Sound but across the Pacific Ocean.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/bounkeuathumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Phoumy Bounkeua and his students in Laos</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Physician assistant Phoumy Bounkeua&#39;s life path led him to care for others not only at VA Puget Sound but across the Pacific Ocean.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Humanitarian award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Physician assistant Phoumy Bounkeua&#39;s life path led him to care for others not only at VA Puget Sound but across the Pacific Ocean.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Alzheimers research on ABC&#39;s World News Tonight</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Alzheimers_research_on_ABC_s_World_News_Tonight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:30:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/ABCwntcraft_thumb.jpg" alt="World News Tonight" title="World News Tonight"><div>]]>ABC&#39;s &#34;World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer&#34; featured VA Puget Sound and University of Washington research on the positive effects of insulin on memory for those with Alzheimer&#39;s disease.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Alzheimers_research_on_ABC_s_World_News_Tonight_1287696602074</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/ABCwntcraft_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">World News Tonight</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">ABC&#39;s &#34;World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer&#34; features VA Puget Sound and University of Washington research on the positive effects of insulin on memory for those with Alzheimer&#39;s disease.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Research on ABC television</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>ABC&#39;s &#34;World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer&#34; featured VA Puget Sound and University of Washington research on the positive effects of insulin on memory for those with Alzheimer&#39;s disease.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Puget Sound and Project Homeless Connect team up to beat homelessness</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/phc2010.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/homelesssmall.jpg" alt="Tenora Williams, a social worker at VA Puget Sound, helps a homeless Veteran at the Project Homeless Connect event." title="Tenora Williams, a social worker at VA Puget Sound, helps a homeless Veteran at the Project Homeless Connect event."><div>]]>VA Puget Sound once again participated with a variety of community agencies to host Project Homeless Connect at the exhibition hall of the Tacoma Dome, Oct. 14. This all-day event was designed to be a &#8220;one-stop&#8221; connection to community services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/phc2010_1287174891817</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/homelesssmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Tenora Williams, a social worker at VA Puget Sound, helps a homeless Veteran at the Project Homeless Connect event.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound once again participated with a variety of community agencies to host Project Homeless Connect at the exhibition hall of the Tacoma Dome, Oct. 14. This all-day event was designed to be a &#34;one-stop&#34; connection to community services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Taking on homelessness</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound once again participated with a variety of community agencies to host Project Homeless Connect at the exhibition hall of the Tacoma Dome, Oct. 14. This all-day event was designed to be a &#8220;one-stop&#8221; connection to community services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2010 Michele Klevens Award given to dedicated Veterans advocate</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/2010klevensaward.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 22 Sep 2010 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/klevens2010small.jpg" alt="Dr. Brad Felker presents Linda Gillespie-Gateley with the 2010 Michele Klevens Award." title="Dr. Brad Felker presents Linda Gillespie-Gateley with the 2010 Michele Klevens Award."><div>]]>For the last three years, the Deployment Health Clinic at VA Puget Sound has given the Michele Klevens award to people who have demonstrated a unique dedication to helping Veterans. This year, the award was given to Linda Gillespie-Gateley at a ceremony held Sept. 22 at the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2010klevensaward_1286989665518</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/klevens2010small.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Brad Felker presents Linda Gillespie-Gateley with the 2010 Michele Klevens Award.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For the last three years, the Deployment Health Clinic at VA Puget Sound has given the Michele Klevens award to people who have demonstrated a unique dedication to helping Veterans. This year, the award was given to Linda Gillespie-Gateley at a ceremony held Sept. 22 at the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans advocate recognized</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For the last three years, the Deployment Health Clinic at VA Puget Sound has given the Michele Klevens award to people who have demonstrated a unique dedication to helping Veterans. This year, the award was given to Linda Gillespie-Gateley at a ceremony held Sept. 22 at the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Minority Veterans Program Coordinator helps all Veterans receive benefits they&#39;ve earned</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Minority_Veterans_Program_Coordinator_helps_all_Veterans_receive_benefits_they_ve_earned.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/cathysmall_newtemplate.jpg" alt="Cathy Davidson, Minority Veterans Program" title="Cathy Davidson, Minority Veterans Program"><div>]]>VA Puget Sound&#39;s Minority Veterans Program reaches out to all Veterans, especially those who may not know the full range of benefits available to them. Since 2003, Cathy Davidson has led the program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Minority_Veterans_Program_Coordinator_helps_all_Veterans_receive_benefits_they_ve_earned_1286219884041</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/cathysmall_newtemplate.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cathy Davidson, Minority Veterans Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Puget Sound&#39;s Minority Veterans Program reaches out to all Veterans, especially those who may not know the full range of benefits available to them. Since 2003, Cathy Davidson has led the program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Minority Veterans Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Puget Sound&#39;s Minority Veterans Program reaches out to all Veterans, especially those who may not know the full range of benefits available to them. Since 2003, Cathy Davidson has led the program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Blind Rehab takes eye care on the road</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Blind_Rehab_takes_eye_care_on_the_road.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Aug 2010 22:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/blindsmall.jpg" alt="Blind Rehab takes eye care on the road" title="Blind Rehab takes eye care on the road"><div>]]>For many Veterans living in rural areas of Washington State, making the trip to the Seattle or American Lake Division can be daunting. For rural Veterans who are also visually impaired, it can be almost impossible. This is why, when funding from the VA&#8217;s Rural Health Initiative became available, the Blind Rehabilitation team jumped at the chance to provide low-vision services to Veterans who might otherwise never have the chance to meet with specialists.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Blind_Rehab_takes_eye_care_on_the_road_1286479973097</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/blindsmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Blind Rehab takes eye care on the road</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For many Veterans living in rural areas of Washington State, making the trip to the Seattle or American Lake Division can be daunting. For rural Veterans who are also visually impaired, it can be almost impossible. This is why, when funding from the VA&#8217;s Rural Health Initiative became available, the Blind Rehabilitation team jumped at the chance to provide low-vision services to Veterans who might otherwise never have the chance to meet with specialists.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Hitting the road for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For many Veterans living in rural areas of Washington State, making the trip to the Seattle or American Lake Division can be daunting. For rural Veterans who are also visually impaired, it can be almost impossible. This is why, when funding from the VA&#8217;s Rural Health Initiative became available, the Blind Rehabilitation team jumped at the chance to provide low-vision services to Veterans who might otherwise never have the chance to meet with specialists.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>&#34;Uncle Les&#34; helps Veterans get to and from appointments</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/Uncle_Les_helps_Veterans_get_to_and_from_appointments.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 22 Jul 2010 13:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/les.jpg" alt="&#34;Uncle Les&#34; helps Veterans get to and from appointments" title="&#34;Uncle Les&#34; helps Veterans get to and from appointments"><div>]]>With more than 50 shuttles, vans and buses coming everyday to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound, making sure that everybody gets to where they need to go is not an easy task. That&#39;s why we have &#34;Uncle Les&#34; making sure everybody gets to where they need to go.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Uncle_Les_helps_Veterans_get_to_and_from_appointments_1286476973778</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/les.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;Uncle Les&#34; helps Veterans get to and from appointments</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With more than 50 shuttles, vans and buses coming everyday to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound, making sure that everybody gets to where they need to go is not an easy task. That&#39;s why we have &#34;Uncle Les&#34; making sure everybody gets to where they need to go.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Working for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With more than 50 shuttles, vans and buses coming everyday to the Seattle Division of VA Puget Sound, making sure that everybody gets to where they need to go is not an easy task. That&#39;s why we have &#34;Uncle Les&#34; making sure everybody gets to where they need to go.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>American Lake Community Living Center Fact Sheet</title> 
			<link>http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/features/American_Lake_Community_Living_Center_Fact_Sheet.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:00:00 PDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/clcsmall.jpg" alt="VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde speaks at the CLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony" title="VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde speaks at the CLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony"><div>]]>Facts and figures about the new American Lake Community Living Center which is opening in 2010.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/American_Lake_Community_Living_Center_Fact_Sheet_1286478679640</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.pugetsound.va.gov/PUGETSOUND/images/clcsmall.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Puget Sound Director David Elizalde speaks at the CLC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Facts and figures about the new American Lake Community Living Center which is opening in 2010.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Puget Sound is growing</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Facts and figures about the new American Lake Community Living Center which is opening in 2010.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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