ISSUES FACING WOMEN VETERANS

Transcription

1 ISSUES FACING WOMEN VETERANS Peggy Mikelonis ANP-BC, MS,NE-BC Lead Women Veteran Program Manager-VISN 8 The Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Officers Training Orlando, Florida March 29, 2011

2 Women Veteran Program Offices in the Department of Veterans Affairs 2

3 CENTER FOR WOMEN VETERANS Established by Congress Nov 1994 PL The Director serves as primary advisor to the Secretary on the Department policies, programs, and legislation that affect women veterans. First Director- Ms Joan Furey RN, MA ( ) US Army Vietnam Veteran Nurse VA employee years Current Director- Irene Trowell Harris RN, Ed.D Retired Major General US AF/Air National Guard Previous Director of VA- OIG 3

4 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. 4

5 Women Veterans Strategic Healthcare Group In 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 Chief Consultant, WVHSHCG, Patricia Hayes, PhD Psychologist, previous VISN and Facility WVPM 5

6 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 6

7 Historical Perspective Women Veterans Health Care in VA 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 First had WVC s at facilities ( collateral roles) Mandated FULL TIME Women Veteran Program Managers (WVPM) at each VA facility 7

8 Women Veterans Population contrasted to total Veteran Population Source data supplied 7/9/10 by the Office of the Actuary, Office of Policy and Planning, Department of Veterans Affairs 128,397 separated female OEF/OIF Veterans since 2002 As of September

9 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 genderspecific 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 9

10 Priorities Improve quality of health services Expand enrollment and access Ensure safety and security in all facilities (including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC)) Engage in outreach through communication and advocacy Improve patient education aimed at women, thereby engaging them to be partners in managing their health 10

11 A New Generation of Women Veterans Young 47.3% less than 30; 78% less than % received VA health care 47.8% of outpatients seen for 11 or more visits 11

12 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 12

13 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. 13

14 FROM: Mattocks et al Pregnancy and Mental Health Among Women Veterans Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Journal of Women s Health, 19 (12), 2010

15 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 15

16 WOMEN VETERANS PROGRAM INITIATIVES 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 16

17 Outreach and Communications Branded Women Veterans Health Care program Developing monthly health-focused campaigns and outreach kits Educate women Veterans on health topics Bring more women Veterans to the VA Reinforce WVH identity Coordinating outreach activities with monthly health campaigns 17

18 Internal/External Outreach Posters 18

19 A CULTURAL CHANGE in Dept VA Plan 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 19

20 Opportunities are endless THE FUTURE 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!!!!! 20