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Fighting for Maternity Leave for Women in the Reserves 

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Fighting for Maternity Leave for Women in the Reserves 

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Women serving in the military reserves fight for paid maternity leave

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Legislation to provide paid leave is being considered by Congress.

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What Women's Health Services does the VA provide?

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What Women's Health Services does the VA provide?

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It is important to know acronyms within the army in order to build that rapport with your patient, here is a list of acronyms provided in the Women's Veteran Report posted by the VA.

ANC = Army Nurse Corps ANG = Air Na onal Guard JG = Junior Grade
NNC = Navy Nurse Corps USA = Army

USAR = Army Reserve
USAF = U.S. Air Force
USAFR = U.S. Air Force Reserve USCG = U.S. Coast Guard USMC = Marine Corps
USN = Navy
USNR = Navy Reserve
WAC = Women’s Army Corps WAF = Women in the Air Force WAVES = Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service
XO = Executive Officer

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Women veterans can't always access the specific healthcare they need at VA hospitals. A new Congressional effort aims to change that.

The Women Veterans Equal Access to Quality Care Act was introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., chairwoman of the new Women Veterans Task Force in Congress. The bill intends to "ensure that gender-specific services are continually available at every VA medical center and community-based outpatient clinic for our nation's women veterans," the announcement of the bill said.

"As a longstanding member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I have heard too many stories about VA's difficulty meeting the specific needs of women veterans," Brownley said. "VA needs to adapt to the complex and unique needs of women veterans, and that means ensuring gender-specific healthcare services are available to them. My bill directs VA to provide these critical resources to women veterans, tackles the healthcare inequities and disparities in accessing quality and timely care, and ultimately improves the health outcomes and lives of women veterans across the nation."

A recent report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), one of two VA watchdog groups, found that 39 of 145 VA medical centers or healthcare systems (27 percent) did not have an onsite gynecologist in 2015.

Across the U.S., availability of mammography and OB/GYN care at VA hospitals is "inconsistent," Brownley said, even in facilities "serving large populations of women veterans."

Brownley said that, according to VA, nine percent of private outpatient clinics partnered with the VA lacked a dedicated women's health provider.

The bill would require the VA guarantee that gender-specific services such as preventative screening and gynecology specialty care are available at every VA hospital and private partner clinic and would also require VA to study the use of extended hours to reduce women veterans' barriers to care.
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New bill would require VA hospitals to have services for women veterans' health

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Women veterans can't always access the specific healthcare they need at VA hospitals. A new Congressional effort aims to change that. The Women Veterans Equal Access to Quality Care Act was introduced by Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., chairwoman of the new Women Veterans Task Force in Congress.

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"To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for increased access

to Department of Veterans Affairs medical care for women veterans."

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Lifeline for Veterans - Women Veteran Resources 

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Lifeline for Veterans - Women Veteran Resources 

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Here is a helpful website that gives Women Veterans the ability to make the necessary contacts they need for their health and wellbeing.

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Our Women Veteran Resources program connects women veterans with appropriate resources to help them transition to civilian life after leaving the military, and to provide them with resources and tools to transition to civilian life and to continue to be leaders in their communities.

SIGN UP FOR EMAILS REQUEST ASSISTANCE

Women Veteran Resources*

Crisis

NVF Lifeline for Vets - 1-888-777-4443
VA Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Hotline - 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Stop Soldier Suicide - 1.800.273.8255 #1

General

State Veterans Service Offices (housing, employment, education, VA benefits)
VA E-benefits

Disability Compensation
Add or Remove Dependent
VA Health Care
Education Benefits
Pension Benefits
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment

Manage Benefits
Compensation Claim Status
Personal Contact and Direct Deposit
VA Payment History
VA Letters
Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan
Supporting Document Upload for Claims

Manage Health
VA Medical Records
VA Prescription Refills
VA Medical Appointment Scheduling
Hearing Aid Batteries and Prosthetic Socks
VA Medical Provider Messaging
DoD TRICARE® Health Insurance
VA National Resource Directory
Veteran Navigator Facebook (Los Angeles)

American Women Veterans (.org)

Military Women Strategic Alliance (.org)

Housing and Homelessness

VASH Program - The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.

SSVF - Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include: ŸHealth care services Ÿ- Daily living services -Ÿ Personal financial planning services Ÿ- Transportation services Ÿ- Fiduciary and payee services Ÿ- Legal services -Ÿ Child care services -Ÿ Housing counseling services. In addition, grantees may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis. List of SSVF Providers by State (Excel Doc)

Homeless Veteran Stand Downs - Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services to homeless Veterans, such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. They are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers.

PATH (California) - PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) provides the support homeless veterans need in order to successfully transition from living on the street to thriving in homes of their own. High quality supportive services are critical to ensuring the people we serve are able to move into permanent homes, and stay in those homes long-term. PATH pledges to house at least 1,000 veterans by 2014.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year.

Employment

VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Home - You may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.

VA Employment Programs for Homeless Veterans - VA's Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) is a national vocational program comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.

American Job Centers - America's Service Locator connects individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local American Job Centers. The website provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including unemployment benefits, career development, and educational opportunities.

Department of Labor, Women Vets Site - The Women Veterans site at the U.S. Department of Labor

Dress for Success - The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, and a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

National Veterans Foundation Job Board - A listing of jobs across the country at companies interested in hiring veterans.

Work for Warriors (Guard and Reserve) - Job Postings & Unit Vacancies. The California Military Department is a diverse, community-based organization comprised of four pillars: the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the California State Military Reserve and the California Youth and Community Programs.

Small Business (SBA Veteran & Disabled Veterans) - If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business.

Health

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health - Valor Program - The program provides specialty services to our Veterans through the Veterans and Loved Ones Recovery (VALOR) program.
VA Women Veterans Health Care
YWCA - Military Veterans Programs - Every year, at YWCAs across the country, over 4,000 military veterans and their families receive emergency housing, health care, career training and counseling. Military women who are victims of sexual assault also receive support.
Find A VA Hospital or Clinic
VA Care Providers Program - For Caregivers of Veterans. "VA values your commitment as a partner in our pledge to care for those who have "borne the battle," and we have several support and service options designed with you in mind. The programs are available both in and out of your home to help you care for the Veteran you love and for yourself."

Military Sexual Trauma

VA MST Services - "While MST can be a very difficult experience, recovery is possible. At the VA, Veterans can receive free, confidential treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. You may be able to receive this MST-related care even if you are not eligible for other VA services. To receive these services, you do not need a VA service-connected disability rating, to have reported the incident when it happened, or have other documentation that it occurred. Eligibility for MST-related treatment is entirely separate from the disability claims process. VA has a range of services available to meet Veterans wherever they are in their recovery."

Make the Connection MST information & resources - "Although MST can be a very difficult experience, there are treatments available that can significantly improve your quality of life. Treatment often involves addressing any immediate health and safety concerns, followed by counseling to help you learn new ways of thinking, practice positive behaviors, and take active steps to cope with the effects of MST. Treatment may focus on strategies for coping with difficult emotions and memories or, for Veterans who are ready, treatment may involve actually talking about the MST experiences in depth."

Social Support

The Mission Continues - "The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues' Fellowship, harnesses veterans' strengths, skills, and their compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues' Service Platoons, brings teams of veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues."

Team Red, White, and Blue - "Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity."

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new veterans and their families. IAVA is dedicated to standing with the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Team Rubicon - "Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams."

Student Veterans of America - Mission: "To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation."

American Legions - "Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide."

VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA - Mission: "To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans."

San Diego Women Veterans Network - The San Diego Women Veterans Network creates belonging and community for women veterans. They also engage service providers for women veterans for collaboration and create a network of support for women veterans in our county.

Legal

Veterans Legal Institute - "Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare and foster self-sufficiency."

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) - "The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation's 25 million veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country."

Recycled Rides ™ - a military/veteran support program designed to help ease the transportation burden for current military and veterans. They provide refurbished vehicles to deserving recipients. Their technicians restore these vehicles to proper driving condition.
Transportation
Mary Ann Mayer
888.777.4443
maryann@nvf.org

or
If you have a specific question or situation not addressed by the above resources please contact:
Christina Noguera
888.777.4443
christina@nvf.org
*The National Veterans Foundation (NVF) has taken reasonable steps to vet this list of Women Veteran Resources. We believe them to be good programs working in good faith to assist veterans. In some cases, we have a direct experience in working with these organizations. In other cases, we are recommending them based on their reputation and the information we have available. The NVF does not guarantee any particular outcome from any of the above resources and is not liable for any negative outcomes any group or individual may experience. Please contact us directly at 888-777-4443 with any feedback or questions about a particular resource listed here.

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Women Veteran Resources - List of helpful Tools for Vets

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Our Women Veteran Resources program connects women veterans with appropriate resources to help them transition to civilian life after leaving the military, and to provide them with resources and tools to transition to civilian life and to continue to be leaders in their communities.

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"About 1 in 5 women seen in VHA respond "yes" when screened for Military Sexual Trauma (MST)."

(U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, & Veterans Health Administration, 2013)

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What care and services does VA health care cover?

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What care and services does VA health care cover?

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In 1999, the VA made the decision to start providing gender specific services to women, starting with prenatal and obstetrical care to those eligible.

(U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.)

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Ask Questions.

Listen.

Show Concern.

Build Trust and Respect.

Understand Trauma-- military related or not.

Refrain from Judgement.

Thank with Sincerity.

(Burek, 2018)

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"Female Veterans Benefits Include Maternity Care"

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that women are the fastest growing group within the Veteran Population?

(U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, & Veterans Health Administration, 2013)