Transgender Vets, the VA, and respect

[Ravin]

Good information here:

http://www.va.gov/HEALTH/NewsFeatures/2017/January/Transgender-Vets-the-VA-and-Respect.asp

[Carolyn Marie]

Excellent write up, Ravin.  Thanks for posting this.  From reading comments from our veteran members, the quality of the care they have received from the VA seems to vary widely from one facility to another, which is true of any large HMO or hospital organization.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Briana]

Interesting article Ravin and thank you for sharing it.  The VA is an interesting system.  It's huge and complicated with lots of moving parts; many of which don't mesh up well or at all.  Quality of staff is also highly variable depending on location.  Those VAs that are located near/next to and are affiliated with and use university based medical programs tend to have better staff than those that aren't.  I'm glad to see some focus on this aspect of healthcare and Dr. Shipherd sounds like she gets it and is trying to make things better. 

[Guest LesleyAnne]

Great article,

Thank you Raven. 

The VA in Austin have been absolutely wonderful to me, and worth the 2 and 1/2 hour drive. They have a great endocrinologist there who monitors me carefully, along with skilled lab technicians, and a mental health care staff who are very accepting. The mental health clinic offers  Transgender counseling along with a weekly support group meeting. 

I urge all who can, to take full advantage of the VA trans health care system that may be available in your area. It was well worth it for me in getting up the courage to ask for help. IMHO the more of us that come forward the better our chances are that this care will not only continue, but also get better because of exposure.