VA Increases services for female veterans
August 2, 2010
By Ginny Estupinian
Recent estimates show that in the last decade women have made up 16% of all veterans. Sadly, until recently some veteran health facilities did not even have separate bathrooms for women and some VA computers classified female veterans only as wives of men who had fought, not recognizing them as the actual veterans.
Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki a retired four-star general and former Army chief of staff has made increasing services for women a top priority, securing $217 million in gender-specific programs for the next fiscal year. This is a 21% increase in spending from 2009. The increased investment is aimed at providing better care and more privacy and security for female patients.
Shinseki also acknowledged the “debilitating effects” of sexual assaults and harassment of women in the military — as many as 21% of women who seek VA care report sexual trauma — and said his agency is “committed to providing world-class health care and services” for victims.
Also Wednesday, Rep. Bob Filner (D-Ca.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced legislation that would create a “bill of rights” for female veterans.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is turning its resources to women as the government braces for an increasing demand for services from female veterans.
Also Wednesday, Rep. Bob Filner (D-Ca.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced legislation that would create a “bill of rights” for female veterans.
Now each of the 144 veterans health-care systems in the country now has a full-time care manager for women. Primary care is being redesigned so a single physician addresses preventive care, routine gynecological care and other medical issues for women. Health-care providers can now enroll in refresher courses on women’s health needs, and more training is scheduled.
These changes are positive and come none too soon as more veterans will be returning soon and in need of help.
