Federal Daily News

VA reaches out to women vets

Through a multifaceted campaign launched this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs is aiming to raise awareness among women veterans that the agency seeks to provide them with optimal health care services.

Women represent 15 percent of active duty military and nearly 18 percent of National Guard and Reserve forces, and by 2020, VA estimates that women will make up 10 percent of the entire veteran population, according to a Nov. 26 press release.

A nationwide public service announcement was created as part of an ongoing effort to change the culture of the military to better meet the needs of women vets.

“It is important that women veterans receive the high-quality health care and benefits they have earned through their service,” VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said.

Dr. Robert Petzel, undersecretary for health at the Veterans Health Administration, added, “Not all women who served their country identify as veterans and many women veterans are unaware that VA offers high-quality women’s health care. One of the most important aspects of our efforts to serve women veterans is to make sure each one of them knows we’re here.”

An outreach toolkit and other informational materials also are a part of the PSA, which can be viewed on YouTube.



 

Reader comments

Wed, Nov 28, 2012 Houston, Texas

They can release whatever press statements they want; however, I do not believe that the VA provide optimal services to women veterans the same as they do male veterans. The facility here in Houston does not even perform mammagrams. There is a women's clinic here, however, not all female veterans are treated through the women's clinic, even though their disability is service connected for female issues.

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