ASBP is the military’s only blood donor program for service members, their families, retirees, veterans, and local communities worldwide, helping those in critical need. Both whole blood and COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) from those who have recovered from COVID-19 remain in high demand. All 21 donor centers adhere to CDC guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Hope is on the horizon with vaccination news and the beginning of a new year. But COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. are on the rise. This means we all must continue to take steps to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is true even after people eventually get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Do you have acute or chronic low back pain? If the answer is yes, you aren’t alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, low back pain is the most common type of pain reported by patients. You can take preventive steps and manage low back pain safely and effectively. As of Jan. 1, 2021, if you need physical therapy for your low back pain, the Defense Health Agency established a demonstration. With the demonstration, TRICARE will waive cost-shares for qualified beneficiaries for up to three physical therapy sessions in 10 states.

Adults age 75 and older should now receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Military Health System are now making the vaccine available to the 1.13 million beneficiaries who are age 75 or older. These beneficiaries use the TRICARE For Life health plan.

A live broadcast was hosted by leaders of U.S. Army Medical Department Activity-Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, on Jan. 7 to provide information about the ongoing effort to vaccinate the community at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield area – and to answer questions and concerns. Commander, Col. Julie Freeman, the Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Charles Robinson, and Deputy Commander for Clinical Services, Col. Nia Middleton, hosted the town hall. Freeman said she wanted to provide information to community members to help them make an informed decision regarding the vaccine; whether they chose to take it or not.

Winn Army Community Hospital on Fort Stewart welcomes the first baby delivered at the hospital for 2021. Payton Grace Cowan was born, 6 pounds, 6 ounces, fifty-seven minutes into the New Year to Capt. Danielle Cowan and her husband Maj. Ryan Cowan. Maj. Cowan attends the Command and General Staff College and Capt. Cowan is with Fort Stewart's Office of the Staff Judge Advocate. On-hand to greet Payton Grace Cowan and Family were Winn ACH Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Robinson (Left) and Col. Nia Middleton, Deputy Commander for Clinical Services (Right), who presented the Family with best wishes and a gift basket.

TRICARE Open Season: The 2020 TRICARE Open Season is ongoing and ends Dec. 14. The annual period allows TRICARE beneficiaries to enroll in or change health plans for the next year. Take the time now to learn about your eligibility, fees, as well as health, dental, and vision plan options. TRICARE Select change: If you're a Group A retired beneficiary (If you or your sponsor’s initial enlistment or appointment occurred before Jan. 1, 2018; you are a Group A - retired beneficiary) You and your family must pay a new monthly TRICARE Select enrollment fee to maintain your TRICARE Select coverage.  Sign up during Open Season. These fees go into effect Jan. 1, 2021.   If you’re a sponsor or TYA enrollee, here’s what you need to know: TYA Select premiums increased from $228 to $257 per month. TYA Prime premiums increased from $376 to $459 per month. TRICARE Young Adult Plan premium increases: Beginning on Jan. 1, premiums for TRICARE Young Adult coverage will increase.   TYA Select will increase by 12.7% and TYA Prime by 22%. These changes reflect the increase in TYA program costs for calendar year 2021.   TYA is a premium-based plan available for purchase by qualified dependent children under the age of 26. To learn more, visit https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/BenefitUpdates/Archives/10_21_2020_New_Monthly_Premiums_TRICARE_Young_Adult_Plans_2021.  

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2021, premiums for TRICARE Young Adult coverage will increase. TYA Select will increase by 12.7% and TYA Prime by 22%. These changes reflect the increase in TYA program costs for calendar year 2021. TYA is a premium-based plan available for purchase by qualified dependent children under the age of 26.