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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