Women’s Health Transition Training

All transitioning servicewomen are encouraged to register for a virtual training session.

VA’s Women’s Health Transition Training program is available virtually twice a day through mid-December. The schedule allows more women to attend than in the past. All transitioning servicewomen are encouraged to register for a virtual training session at: www.va.gov/womenvet/whtt. Program managers will soon determine the training schedule and delivery method (virtual or in-person) for calendar year 2021.

More than 1,100 women have completed the training since its inception in the summer of 2018. Many have shared positive feedback and takeaways from the training. Past attendees have said that hearing about women-specific care — including mental health and counseling — offered by VA persuaded them to enroll.

VA is a viable option for health care needs

Prior to attending the Women’s Health Transition Training, many transitioning servicewomen never considered VA as a viable option for their future health care needs.

This program focuses on educating servicewomen on the services VA offers. It addresses potential physical and mental health challenges they may face. Examples are depression, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic pain, obesity, infertility, prenatal care or MST.

This training builds awareness and equips servicewomen with resources for their transition to civilian health care.

This live, interactive training is led by a woman Veteran who uses VA health care. The training session has five phases:

• Phase 1 – The Shift from Active Duty. You will learn about VHA (Veterans Health Administration), the transition from active duty or Guard/Reserve to civilian, and making the change from the military health system to VHA.
• Phase 2 – Understanding the VHA. You will learn about VA, Women’s health providers, the MISSION Act, and programs that support the need for women-specific health care.
• Phase 3 – Available Women’s Health Services. You will hear about the health services available to you if you enroll in VA health care.
• Phase 4—Enrolling in VA. You will learn about eligibility and the enrollment process.
• Phase 5 – Transition Assistance. You will learn about other available support services and partners as you transition out of active duty.

The purpose of this training is to build awareness and equip all servicewomen with the knowledge, support and resources for their transition to civilian health care. VA cares for all Veterans and is here for you.

Shonté Gonzalez is the community readiness consultant and Sherri Curtis is a marketing strategy and communications specialist at Wright-Patterson AFB.