Cost: Free

All parking in the main lot is designated as Handicap parking. 

A parking garage is located in the main parking lot, facing the front entrance of the Medical Center. Patients and visitors can park in the second floor parking lot which is off Fairway Drive.

Wheelchair availability: Altoona VA Medical Center has wheelchairs available upon arrival for patients who need them to access the building.

Van services for Veterans

DAV vans

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., individual van schedules vary.

We work with Disabled American Veterans and county Veterans Affairs directors to provide transportation for Veterans and authorized caregivers to get to scheduled medical appointments.

Non-DAV van services

Many localities in the region provide other van services to Veterans.

Learn more about DAV and the other van services available in your county

Local transportation services

The James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center is located on the AMTRAN bus route.

Other services

Med-Van: 814-948-6170

Blair Senior Services: 800-458-5552

Beneficiary travel

Beneficiary travel benefits include round-trip transportation from your home to the medical center, mileage reimbursement, or special mode transport. 

Find out if you qualify for beneficiary travel benefits

Hours

Lobby entrance: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

General visiting:  No set hours for most departments, please visit when it's most convenient for you and the patient. Exceptions are listed below in Visitor Policies.

Critical care

Visiting hours are individualized to meet the needs of the patient, family, and caregivers.

Post-anesthesia recovery

Generally, visitors are not permitted. The doctor or nurse may make an exception.

Visitor policies

Visitors may not bring food or beverages to patients without authorization from unit physicians or nurses.

Children under age 15 may visit inpatients when permission has been granted by the unit physician or nurse. When approved by the physician or nurse, inpatients may visit with younger children in the waiting room in the main lobby. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children of all ages are permitted to visit with residents of the Community Living Center.

Clergy

Members of the clergy are welcome to visit patients who are members of their particular religious group at any time at the discretion of the unit physician or nurse.

Exceptions

For the health and well-being of a patient, the attending physician may limit, restrict, or deny visitation. We apologize for any inconvenience when this occurs, and appreciate your understanding that it may be medically necessary.

See VA Altoona's full visitation policy

Visitors are not permitted to stay overnight in the medical center itself. Here are some other options.

Nearby hotels

When booking, ask for the hospital rate. Many hotels have shuttle service to VA hospitals. Check with the hotel you’re staying at.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Altoona
  814-946-0422

• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Altoona
  814-946-0424

• Quality Inn & Suites
  814-944-9661

NOTE: These links are provided for your convenience only. VA Altoona Healthcare System does not endorse and is not responsible for the content on the linked web sites.

Visit Altoona and Blair County

These sites provide some up-to-date listings for area hotels, as well as activities, transportation, restaurants, shops and more. 
Explore Altoona
Things to do in Altoona

Food and drink

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Café

Serving hot and cold entrees, beverages and desserts.

Basement of main building
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Closed weekends

Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Brew (Starbucks)

Serving a variety of pastries, light sandwiches and beverages.

First floor
Main entrance by Central Registration.
Hours
Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET
Closed weekends

Vending machines

Drinks and snacks are available around the clock.

Retail

The Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) Patriot Store 

A full-service retail store with such products as electronics, cosmetics, toiletries, and clothing. Purchases are tax-free.

Basement of main building
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Closed weekends

Veterans have access to traditional library services at VA Altoona:

• Newspapers, books and magazines
• Internet access
• Assistance with researching and reference
• Borrowing books (inpatients only)
• Veteran and family consumer health materials
• Resume advice

Building 1
2nd floor room
2B30 (across from Lab)
Phone:877-626-2500, ext. 7156
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

Main building
Second floor
Room 2C08
Hours:  Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET

Chaplains

When you’re admitted, you can request or decline visits by a VA chaplain. Our chaplains provide spiritual, pastoral, and emotional care for you and your family, in accordance with your own beliefs and practices. This includes locating clergy or religious leaders in the community for needs that our chaplain staff cannot meet.

Interfaith chapel

The chapel is open to anyone 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for quiet meditation and reflection. The chapel also hosts regularly scheduled services for many denominations.

Use this link to find maps to help you get around the campus.

James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center - campus map