Patient Care Services

Direct Patient Entry of Gender Identity and Preferred Name Now Available Online

The Department of Veterans Affairs includes gender identity and preferred name in its national medical record system to help VA providers better understand and meet the health care needs of Veterans. As of June 25th, 2022, VA patients can view, enter and edit their gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs. This new feature of VA.gov gives Veterans the ability to enter information about themselves into their health record without going through a VA staff person.  With this new solution, VA is giving Veterans more control and choice when it comes to their healthcare information.

To enter your gender identity and preferred name at VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs, click “Sign In” in the upper righthand corner. Open your profile and click on “Personal Information”.

Once entered in VA.gov, this information will become part of your electronic health record. Your health care providers will see this information and use your responses to provide patient-centered care. Sharing this information helps VA staff and providers know your identity and use respectful terms when delivering personalized care.

Health Care for the Veteran You Are - LGBTQ+ Health Program Posters

VA is dedicated to being a leader in health care for the Veteran you are for LGBTQ+ Veterans and provides high-quality care in an affirming and welcoming environment. VA staff and providers will respect your identities. Use the Health Care for the Veteran You Are posters all year to get out the message and ensure LGBTQ+ Veterans receive the care they need and deserve.

VA employees, Veterans, families, caregivers, Veteran Service Organizations, and community providers are welcome to share and print these posters.  Posters are intended to be printed in color.  VA employees are encouraged to display them in common areas of your facility, including waiting rooms, break and conference rooms, reception areas, and canteens.  For linking and sharing the posters electronically, please link to this page to be sure that you direct people to the most up-to-date versions.

Healthcare for the Veteran You Are 1- Poster	Healthcare for the Veteran You Are 2 - Poster
Healthcare for the Veteran You Are 3 - Poster	Healthcare for the Veteran You Are 4 - Poster

We Serve All Who Served

This poster was developed to increase visibility of LGBTQ+ Veterans at VHA. The tagline "We Serve All Who Served" underscores VA's non-discrimination policy, and honors the service history of LGBTQ+ Veterans. Download, print, and display the poster in common areas of your facility, including reception areas.

"We Serve All Who Served" Poster (8.5x11))

Transgender & Gender Diverse E-Consultation Program:

Transgender and Gender Diverse Veterans: The VA has a program where your provider can get advice about your treatment through your medical record. Download this flyer and bring it in to your next medical appointment to start this conversation.

Transgender & Gender Diverse Veteran Ebulletin

Gender Affirming Program with Speech (GAPS):

The way we communicate helps to define who we are. For many, a desired voice and communication style is key to gaining acceptance in their new gender. Speech-Language Pathologists are trained to help in gender affirming voice treatment, which targets voice, speech, language, and non-verbal communication. Research has shown that skills learned with a Speech-Language Pathologist can result in increased satisfaction with voice and communication while reducing the risk of developing vocal strain.

Gender-Affirming Program with Speech (GAPS) (PDF)

Connect. It Can Save a Life

LGBTQ+ Veterans may face unique health challenges— including a higher risk for mental health issues and suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. If you are an LGBTQ+ Veteran, making sure your health care provider knows your sexual orientation and gender identity can improve your access to comprehensive care. VA is dedicated to offering all Veterans high-quality care in a safe, respectful environment. Being open with your provider about your identity helps VA support your whole health.

  - Veterans Crisis Line
  - Veteran Suicide Prevention
  - Don’t Wait. Reach Out.

Podcast highlights "LGBTQ Care in the VA"
Dr. Jillian Shipherd, LGBTQ+ Health Program Director at VA Central Office, discusses the ongoing efforts and strategies in VHA to provide inclusive and affirming care for Veterans with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and related identities.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/11014928/womenshealth-lgbtq-shipherd-wmusic-maste

MakeTheConnection.net online resource for Veterans
Sharing LGBTQ+ Identity With Providers- https://www.maketheconnection.net/events/sharing-LGBTQ-identity-with-providers *

Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion (ORMDI)
VA LGBT Departmental Special Emphasis Program (pdf)

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) Services

There is an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at every facility to help you get the care you need. VHA policies require that your health care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment and that VHA employees respect your identity.

Reach out to your local facility’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator today:  https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBT/VAFacilities.asp
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*Link will take you outside of the Dept of Veterans Affairs (VA) Website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites. The link will open in a new window for the content of the linked websites.