Summary: The fourth episode of the VHA Innovation Ecosystem podcast, VHA:IE, focuses on LGBTQ+ Veterans and the unique challenges they face in receiving care. On this episode, you will hear from a team building a community for LGBTQ+ Veterans in the Tuscaloosa and Hampton VA Medical Centers, and learn about a program that provides comprehensive LGBT health care training to VA providers, along with a drag show fundraiser for the White River Junction VA Medical Center (WRJVAMC) LGBTQ+ Health and Equality workgroup. You’ll also hear from a non-profit that advocates for and provides resources and support to LGBTQ+ service members, Veterans, and their families. The first program, Serving All Who Served, is a health education group for LGBT Veterans that aims to improve identity-related stress, well-being, mental health, and healthcare utilization, and aims to act as a support group for LGBT Veterans. The program originated at the Hampton VA Medical Center and is being implemented at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. LGBT Champion Education Program, the second VA effort featured in the episode, is based out of the Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center in Columbus, Ohio. Spearheaded by LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator Jessica Homan, the program engages providers and staff in common healthcare scenarios involving LGBT individuals and provides feedback on these hypothetical interactions. After training completion, each facility identifies LGBT Champions to form a network of providers educated in LGBT-affirming care. Our third segment focuses on Queens, Queers, and Camo, a new drag show fundraiser for the WRJVAMC LGBTQ+ Health and Equality workgroup. The first show celebrated the diversity of those who serve in the military and offered a place for LGBTQ+ Veterans to connect and enjoy a fun and relaxing evening, all while raising money for a good cause. The final segment features an interview with Jennifer Dane, the Diversity and Inclusion Policy Analyst for the American Military Partner Association (AMPA). AMPA is a non-profit that advocates for the families of LGBTQ military members and Veterans and provides a network and support system for these military families. Episode Resources US Department of Veteran Affairs VA Innovators Network Serving All Who Served LGBT Champion Education Program Queens, Queers, and Camo White River Junction VA Medical Center Hampton VA Medical Center Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center LGBT Champions Program Manchester VA Medical Center The American Military Partner Association Key Episode Quotes: "Affirmative care for our LGBT Veterans is an approach where we're acknowledging the obstacles to healthcare. So an understanding that there are certain healthcare disparities, difficulties with access, higher risk for certain healthcare concerns and suicidal ideation and, at the same time, we're embracing and celebrating a part of who they are: because it may not be all of who a person is, but LGBT identity is an important part of a person.” -- Dr. Tiffany Lange-Altman, LGBTQ Veteran Care Coordinator at Hampton VA Medical Center "Historically, LGBT veterans have not had a great experience within the military or within VA facilities. So, we want to make sure that we are giving them the best healthcare possible." -- Jessica Homan, LGBT Veteran Care Coordinator at Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center "What I noticed at the show was lots of people meeting each other for the first time who may have lived in that area of Vermont and New Hampshire for decades but never knew there were other people out there who were like them." -- Calvin Smith, Social Worker at the Manchester VA Medical Center "The biggest thing we can contribute is that, although we are a large organization, we also are collaborative and work together in other organizations, so it's all one vision." -- Jennifer Dane, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Analyst for the American Military Partner Association
