ICYMI: #ExploreVA Facebook Live event on VA health care for women Veterans

On March 20, VA and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) hosted the #ExploreVA Facebook Live event on VA health care for women Veterans. Jennifer Silva, chief program officer for WWP, Dr. Patty Hayes, chief consultant for the Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group, and Kayla Williams, director of VA’s Center for Women Veterans, discussed how VA does health care differently.

VA health care includes more than just check-ups. Through an integrative and comprehensive approach, VA supports Veterans through each stage of life. Whether you are looking to yoga to recover from an injury or are interested in a recreational therapy, such as art or music, VA’s combination of clinical care and well-being programs can help you meet your personal goals.

As a Veteran herself, Williams explained why she chose VA for her care.

“My women’s health needs are considered part of my comprehensive primary care and it’s handled all at one appointment during the year instead of having to make multiple appointments,” she said.

VA also offers gender specific health care services, which includes maternity care, nursing support and more.

“We make all the arrangements for things that are in the reproductive lifespan – family planning and contraception, infertility, we also take care of pap smears and mammograms, osteoporosis and any needs that you have as you age,” said Hayes.

When the conversation ended, VA representatives remained online to respond to questions and direct Veterans to resources.

In case you missed it, check out some of the questions and answers below.

VA began the chat by providing links to several resources including the VA Benefits Navigator, Explore.VA.gov for details on mental health care and information on whole health.

 

 

Several Veterans were interested in adaptive sports programs.

Other Veterans had questions about recreational therapy.

Questions came through pertaining to transportation services to get to appointments. VA advised visiting the Center for Women Veterans website or calling the Women Veterans Call Center (1-855-829-6636) to learn about eligibility for additional services.

Participants also inquired about time limitations to use their VA benefits.

Thank you to all of the Veterans, service members and their supporters who participated in the event. Stay tuned to the ExploreVA events page for information about upcoming events.

For more details about VA benefits and how to apply, visit Explore.VA.gov. Watch the full video below or visit WWP’s Facebook page.