In 1988, women accounted for 4.4% of veterans in the U.S.
But that percentage has since doubled, and the explosion of female veterans has created the need for a new level of service.
The Women Veterans Health Program was created to “streamline services for women veterans in order to provide more cost-effective medical and psychosocial care,” according to the Veterans Affairs department.
Wolfe said the women veterans used to enter through an entrance that was shared with male veterans.
“The women would have to walk past the men to get to the female services,” she said. “We changed that so they can now enter in the rear of the building.”
Wolfe said women are now part of a veteran’s input committee at the center. That led to a discussion regarding the women’s privacy when they ascended stairs. The result was the installation of frosted glass for privacy.
The group also addressed the need for childcare. “It was difficult for some of the vets to find suitable childcare when they were scheduled for day time appointments,” she said. As a result several of the staff members volunteered to care for the children.
Nicole Thompson said more attention was being paid to the women veterans at the federal level.
“Every VA center offers woman specific care,” said Thompson, who added the services include everything from child bearing to menopause.
VA’s approach to care is unique for women veterans.
“Women veterans are assigned to a designated women’s health primary care provider who can provide general primary care and is specially trained or experienced in women’s care,” said the VA.
Each VA medical center has a designated women veterans program manager to advise and advocate for women veterans. She helps coordinate all the services women may need, from primary care to specialized care for chronic conditions or reproductive health.
Women veterans interested in receiving care at VA should contact the nearest VA medical center and ask to speak with a women veterans program manager.
A new aspect of care for women veterans is “military sexual trauma”, which refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. The trauma also includes any sexual activity against a woman’s will.
“Sexual harassment was not part of the VA in the past,” said Wolfe. “Women were objectified and made to feel invisible. Women were not seen as vets. The VA is starting to work on this but there is not an overnight solution.”
