Women are the fastest-growing group of Veterans in the United States. There are more than 600,000 women registered for VA health services and women make up 30% of all new VA patients.
That’s why Orlando VA is committed to providing virtual resources and classes to women Veterans to ensure they feel supported. The virtual component ensures that Veterans who live far away or are juggling various responsibilities can still access their health care.
“We want to make sure women Veterans know their home is here at VA and that we are interested in specializing the care to their needs,” said Melissa Tran, a marriage and family therapist. “The virtual platforms and connected care opportunities really open the door to reach more Veterans who maybe couldn’t access care before.”
Telehealth support
Women Veterans of all ages who are enrolled at a VA facility have access to the following telehealth resources:
- PREPARe: Perinatal Reproductive Education Planning and Resources offers a wide range of services and provides community for preconception or pregnant Veterans and Veterans who have recently given birth. Resources include individual and group sessions, and classes on mental health, pelvic health, Whole Health, lactation and lactation support, nutrition and family topics. These services are all hosted on VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app.
- Pelvic Floor and Core: These virtual, physical therapy classes target prenatal, postnatal and menopausal Veterans. Each class has three main goals: Educate Veterans on their bodies, discuss musculoskeletal changes and how they play a role in bladder, bowel and sexual function, and provide Veterans with general exercises that they can practice at home. After each class, Veterans receive a PowerPoint presentation with video demonstrations, additional information and resources.
- RENEW: Restoration, Exercise, Nutrition, Engagement and Wellness is a consultation program for women Veterans age 50 and older, which is the largest age group of women registered at Orlando VA. These monthly classes, hosted virtually, present information on services that Veterans may not know about. After each class, Veterans interested in a particular service can register or receive a referral right away.
Women Veterans enrolled at Orlando VA may also attend a virtual monthly roundtable to recommend additional services they would like to see at VA.
Embracing women’s care
VA staff members and providers are committed to ensuring that women Veterans’ voices are heard and their health needs are met.
“Our goal is to provide comprehensive women’s health care to Veterans,” said Michelle Zielenski, women Veterans program manager. “It goes way beyond just primary care visits or preventive medical appointments, such as routine cancer screening. These resources add a quality-of-life component to women Veterans’ care.”
To learn more about women’s health resources at your VA facility, talk to your VA care team. For more information on telehealth resources, visit the VA Telehealth Services page.
