A program designed to help women veterans navigate the VA’s system and make them aware of available services will expand by the end of next year to reach every woman preparing to leave service.

The Women’s Health Transition Training program – a collaboration between the VA and DoD – is offered during service-specific Transition Assistance Programs.

“I’m pleased to hear VBA/VHA is working with the Department of Defense to assist women servicemembers’ transitioning out of service,” said Cmdr. René Campos, USN (Ret), MOAA’s senior director of government relations for veterans-wounded care.

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Women veterans are the fastest growing population of VA patients, according to the department. The number of women veteran patients has increased from just under 160,000 in 2000 to about 510,200 in 2018.

The VA offers women veterans a full continuum of care, including routine gynecological care, mental health, infertility care and maternity care. Among its latest efforts, the VA signed a five-year contract the University of South Florida’s Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) for a mini-residency program that helps VA medical staff refresh their skills while also demonstrating new techniques. 

Under the transition program expansion, women will learn about woman-centric culture and infrastructure at their VA center, available women’s health services, the process and eligibility of enrollment, how to connect with other women veterans, and how to find support at their local VA facility.

The program is currently offered at select sites in 17 states, Germany, Japan, and Korea. There are also virtual training programs available.