In this guide

↓ Basic location data & the Facility API

↓ How to update Basic Location Data for Vet Centers, Outstations, and Mobile Vet Centers

The Veteran-centered purpose

“As a Veteran, family member, or caregiver, I want to know accurate key information about a specific facility, such as address, phone numbers, and other important information.”

Basic location data & the Facility API

The Facility API manages basic location data automatically

There are certain kinds of basic location information, such as the facility’s address and phone number, that is managed by the Veteran Administration Site Tracking system (VAST). This data is made available through an application programming interface called the Lighthouse Facility API, which automatically feeds into the CMS, which in turn feeds it to your Vet Center site.

What this looks like in the CMS

When you go to edit a facility in the CMS, you’ll see basic location data from the Facility API, but you won’t be able to edit it.

Why can’t I manage my facility’s basic location data directly?

Having your facility’s location info in a centralized database of all VA facility locations means that Veterans anywhere can find your facility using VA’s facility locator tool and other applications that use the Lighthouse Facilities API. VHA uses VAST and its business processes to ensure that your facility aligns with high data quality, integrity, standards, and legal requirements.

How to update Basic Location Data for Vet Centers, Outstations, and Mobile Vet Centers

The table below can help you contact the right place to update the data basic location data.  After submitting your request, the review process may take from several days to up to four months to process, depending on which data element needs to change. Much of this timeline is controlled by VAST administrators. Your patience is appreciated.

Once updated in the Facility API, Drupal will update within 24 hours of receiving that information.