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ISSUES FACING WOMEN VETERANS - 2011
Peggy Mikelonis ANP-BC, MS,NE-BCLead Women Veteran Program Manager-VISN 8
The Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Officers Training
Orlando, Florida March 29, 2011
Women Veteran Program Offices in the Department of Veterans Affairs
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CENTER FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Established by Congress Nov 1994 PL 103-446
The Director serves as primary advisor to theSecretary on the Department policies, programs, and legislation that affect women veterans
.First Director- Ms Joan Furey RN, MA (1994-2000)US Army Vietnam Veteran Nurse – VA employee years
Current Director- Irene Trowell Harris RN, Ed.DRetired Major General US AF/Air National GuardPrevious Director of VA- OIG
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MISSION OF CENTER FOR WOMEN VETERANS
Monitor and coordinate VA’s administration of health care and benefits services, and programs for women veterans.
Serve as an advocate for a cultural transformation (both within VA and in the general public) in recognizing the service and contributions of women Veterans and women in the military.
Raise awareness of the responsibility to treat women veterans with dignity and respect.
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Women Veterans Strategic Healthcare GroupIn 1988, the Women Veterans Health Program was created to streamline services for women Veterans in order to provide more cost-effective medical and psychosocial care
As part of VA's readiness for the influx of new women Veterans, the Women Veterans Health program was elevated to a Strategic Health Care Group within the Office of Public Health and Environmental Hazards in 2007.
Chief Consultant, WVHSHCG, Patricia Hayes, PhDPsychologist, previous VISN and Facility WVPM
Mission WVHSHG
Ensure that all women Veterans receive equitable, high-quality, and comprehensive health care services in a sensitive and safe environment at all VA facilities
Be a national leader in the provision of health care for women Veterans, thereby raising the standard of care for all women
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Historical Perspective Women Veterans Health Care in VA
1960-1980’s VA’s not built to care for women• Communal showers- No gender specific equipment• Providers lack training to care for women• Gender Disparities –performance measures
• Diabetic Hgb A1C• Diabetic LDL <100• Ischemic Heart Disease LDL <100• Influenza Vaccination • SHEP survey Client Satisfaction
1985- First had WVC’s at facilities ( collateral roles)
2009- Mandated FULL TIME Women Veteran Program Managers (WVPM) at each VA facility
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Women Veterans Population 2003-2013 contrasted to total Veteran Population
128,397 separated female OEF/OIF Veterans since 2002As of September 2010
Source data supplied 7/9/10 by the Office of the Actuary, Office of Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs
WVSHCG will assure all eligible women veterans will have
Comprehensive primary care by a proficient and interested primary care provider
Privacy, safety, dignity, and sensitivity to gender-specific needs
The right care in the right place and time
State-of-the-art health care equipment and technology
High-quality preventive and clinical care, equal to that provided to male Veterans
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Priorities
Improve quality of health servicesExpand enrollment and accessEnsure safety and security in all facilities (including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC))Engage in outreach through communication and advocacyImprove patient education aimed at women, thereby engaging them to be partners in managing their health
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A New Generation of Women Veterans
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Young – 47.3% less than 30; 78% less than 40
49.7% received VA health care
47.8% of outpatients seen for 11 or more visits
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• Flexible hours and appointments for working women• Emphasis on reproductive health issues• Childcare and eldercare assistance available• Adjustment and depression issues• Homelessness• Age-related health effects
Women Veterans and Suicide Risk•Community data often cite that women have more suicide attempts but are less successful in completing suicide because women tend to use less lethal means than men.
•This may not hold true for women Veterans who are firearm-trained and have a higher rate of suicide.
•Recent studies show increased risk of suicide in WV from OEF/OIF.
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FROM: Mattocks et al Pregnancy and Mental
Health Among Women Veterans
Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.
Journal of Women’s Health, 19 (12), 2010
ONGOING WOMEN VETERANS HEALTH PROGRAM INITIATIVES
Comprehensive Gender Specific Primary Care • Primary Care available at every POC (CBOC’s)• Education for Primary Care Providers (Mini-Residencies)• Ongoing continuing education programs – Women’s health
Breast Care• Provision of onsite Mammography- special procedures • Tracking abnormal mammograms• Breast Imaging Centers
Gynecology• Tracking Abnormal Pap Smears• Reproductive Health- Teratogenic medications • Maternity Benefits- Fee Care Programs
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Mental Health Care• PTSD (combat related)• MST• Homelessness
• Increased risk factors
Environment of Care Issues• Privacy• Dignity• Inpatient facilities – bathroom and shower access
Research Opportunities • Multi-site studies• HSR& D funding; other sources
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WOMEN VETERANS PROGRAM INITIATIVES
Branded Women Veterans Health Care programDeveloping monthly health-focused campaigns and outreach kits• Educate women Veterans on health topics• Bring more women Veterans to the VA
Reinforce WVH identityCoordinating outreach activities with monthly health campaigns
Outreach and Communications
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Internal/External Outreach Posters
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A CULTURAL CHANGE in Dept VAPlan for the FUTURE- CONSTRUCTION ISSUES
WOMEN in every SPECIALTY CLINIC
LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES
PHARMACY ISSUES EVER CHANGING
INCREASING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES (HOMELESSNESS; PTSD; MST ; SUICIDE)
RURAL HEALTH
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THE FUTURE Opportunities are endless
New generation of Women’s Health Leaders
Improving the standard of care for women not only in the Dept of Veterans Affairs but for ALL WOMEN.
Continue to honor the men and women who serve our country every day in the UNITED STATES MILITARY
GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!
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