New shuttle shows women Veterans they belong at VA

Veterans in Northern Arizona now have an updated campus shuttle to transport them to appointments. On March 27, a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiled the first of several buses that are designed to be more inviting and welcoming, specifically to women Veterans.

The design on the outside of the bus commemorates 100 years of advancing women Veterans’ health care at VA.

“I like the message and was very pleasantly surprised that it comes from VA. Women Veterans Belong at the VA is a huge statement and very inclusive. The van with the wrapped message outside was what was big for me,” said Army Veteran Nanci Chalquest.

Women Veterans belong at VA… and have for 100 years

Throughout 2023, VA is actively promoting the comprehensive health care resources now available to women Veterans and creating an environment to show them that they belong at VA.   

On Sept. 14, 1923, the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers (VA predecessor) approved the first hospital spaces for women Veterans. Hospitalization and medical care for women who served as Army or Navy nurses during World War I were first authorized in 1919, just a few months after the Armistice. At the time, there were approximately 52,000 women Veterans in America, 25 percent of whom were disabled and eligible for care.  

Today, nearly two million women Veterans are living in America and more than 600,000 women Veterans receive care at VA.   

Health care services for women Veterans

Women Veterans do not have to be disabled or have a service-connected injury to be eligible for care. All Veterans, including National Guard and Reserve Veterans, may be eligible even if they never deployed to a combat zone.  

At VA, women Veterans now have access to:   

• A full spectrum of comprehensive health care services with primary care for acute and chronic illnesses; gender-specific care, such as birth control and menopause support; and preventive care, such as mammograms and cervical cancer screenings .
• Reproductive health care services, including maternity care; and fertility services, like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for qualified Veterans .
• Mental health evaluation, counseling and treatment.
• Treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to military sexual trauma (MST), as well as care, support and resources for women Veterans experiencing intimate partner violence.
• Whole health practices, like acupuncture and yoga.

Women Veterans belong at VA. Once enrolled, they will get support from VA staff specially trained in caring for women Veterans, such as:   

• Women’s Health Primary Care Providers are trained in general primary care, as well as gender-specific care, such as breast health and reproductive care. You can ask to be assigned to one at VA.     
• Patient Aligned Care Team is a team of medical professionals who can help coordinate VA’s services and offerings to align with your personal health plans and goals.     
• Women Veteran Program Managers are women’s health professionals who can coordinate care and services specific to women Veterans.    
• Women’s Mental Health Champions are mental health professionals who have received special training in women Veterans’ mental health.  

Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC)

The Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) is the guide to women’s health care. If you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

Trained women representatives can also help with issues such as:   

• Enrolling in VA health care if you have not already.
• Setting up a medical appointment in your area.
• Answering questions about eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits, like employment, education and home loans.

“It’s a really good idea to have something to remind woman Veterans that they matter,” said Army Veteran Mary Dillinger.