LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinators (LGBTQ+ VCCs) are specialized staff members within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system, designed to support the unique health care needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and related identity Veterans. Each VA medical facility has an appointed coordinator to ensure that care is delivered in an affirming and inclusive environment where the identity of the Veteran is respected.

Official Site

Goals

• To advocate for high-quality, affirming health care for all Veterans, focusing on those who identify within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
• To answer questions, handle complaints or concerns, and assist Veterans in navigating health care services.
• To create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment throughout VA medical facilities.

Services Offered

• Mental health services, including psychosocial assessments for hormone therapy and gender confirming surgeries.
• Testing, counseling, and care for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, including post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for at-risk Veterans.
• Support with visitation rights, advance directives, and documentation of preferred names and pronouns in medical records.

Training and Policy

• VHA employees, including care coordinators, receive training tailored to the clinical care needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans, ensuring they are equipped to support their health, welfare, and dignity.
• VA policies emphasize inclusivity, respect for gender identity, and confidentiality regarding sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity.

Contact and Availability

• There is an LGBTQ+ VCC at every VA health care facility. Veterans can find their nearest coordinator through the VHA's directory or by contacting their local VA.

Goals

• To advocate for high-quality, affirming health care for all Veterans, focusing on those who identify within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
• To answer questions, handle complaints or concerns, and assist Veterans in navigating health care services.
• To create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment throughout VA medical facilities.

Sponsor

• Federal agency: United States Department of Veterans Affairs
• Sponsoring office: Veterans Health Administration

Creation

The program was initiated by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) as part of its broader initiative to ensure equitable care for all Veterans. No specific legislation or executive order directly authorized its creation, but it aligns with the VHA's commitment to inclusivity, which is supported by broader policy frameworks like the Veterans Health Administration Directive 2011-024.

Funding

Specific funding details for the program are not publicly disclosed. It operates within the general budget of the Veterans Health Administration. There's no public information indicating when funding began or if it has an end date.

Leadership

The title of the leader of the program is "LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator" (LGBTQ+ VCC).

Website

https://www.patientcare.va.gov/LGBTQ/

Social Media

• No official social media accounts are listed for the program.

Wikipedia Article

There is no dedicated Wikipedia article for this specific program.