By Blake HYFIELD

Tools, resources and information women veterans need. In this time of physical distancing, the VA knows it’s easy for women veterans to feel isolated. Life plans and health can change in an instant. That is why VA is working to remove barriers and improve access to essential services. These services include reproductive health care, refilling prescriptions and accessing the Veterans Crisis Line and Women Veterans Call Center. 

As states and cities across the nation have issued stay-at-home orders, VA encourages veterans enrolled in VA health care to take advantage of its virtual tools to access care. These include secure video appointments from home, mobile health apps and online appointment requests. For example, VA Video Connect allows veterans to connect with their care team and have a face-to-face visit with their doctor. Veterans can also refill their prescriptions by sending their doctor a secure message through My HealtheVet. Using virtual tools, veterans can avoid exposure to the coronavirus and keep their loved ones and fellow veterans safe. Veterans can send a message to their providers or contact their local VA medical center to learn more about what telehealth services are available.

Information on contraception. VA also encourages women veterans staying at home to speak to their providers about contraception. Currently, women veterans can receive a one-year prescription for oral contraceptives (three months dispensed and three refills). For convenience, veterans can meet with their doctor regarding reproductive health through VA’s telehealth services.

The Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) is also available to help answer questions about VA benefits and services. Call or text the WVCC at 1-855-VA-WOMEN (or 1-855-829-6636) Monday through Saturday.

Number for Veterans Crisis Line. VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) is still available to help women veterans, their partners and VA staff impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV). The National Domestic Violence Hotline is an important resource for anyone experiencing IPV. For more information on how women veterans can safely receive assistance for IPV, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or visit the VA website to find out how to speak to a local IPVAP coordinator.

Visit VA.gov for more information about women’s health care. Also, for the latest VA updates on COVID-19 and tips on preventing its spread, visit https://www.va.gov/coronavirus.

VA’s Women’s Health Services Office is part of The Women Veterans Health Program, created in 1988, to streamline services for female veterans to provide more cost-effective medical and psychosocial care. VA’s Women’s Health Services Office provides programmatic and strategic support to implement positive changes in the provision of care for all women veterans.

Blake Hyfield is a life member in VFW Post 1614 and
American Legion Post 288,
both in La Crescenta.

  Blake HYFIELD