Women Veterans seek their own medical care

There has been no mandatory draft since 1973.

Still women in active military has increased from 42,000 to more than 167,000 in that time.

That’s despite the overall numbers in the military have seen a decline.

You can find women in all military walks of life.

It only makes sense then they would require medical care once they become Veterans.

Here at the Veterans Hospital in Reno, a women’s health clinic is available to them.

“I love the environment here, everyone is so friendly. It is patient centric. You can tell. People are smiling, they actually want to do the best for you as a patient,” says Joy Goan, a patient.

Goan says she's been coming to this stand-alone clinic inside the hospital for two years now.

The clinic is available to all women veterans who qualify for enrollment in health care.

Women say they feel comfortable here.

Dr. Kristina McCain has been the gynecologist at the clinic for nearly three years.

She says while she can take care of a veterans physical needs as they apply to women.

There is also an emotional component as well.

“Some women are still traumatized from military experience from military sexual trauma. And so they don't necessarily want to wait in the main waiting room with all the men. They like to have a place they can come and just relax,” says Dr. McCain.

While younger women who served are more likely to take advantage of the services here, older women veterans are just now realizing they too qualify for these benefits.

“A couple of women in their eighties came in with different circumstances. One who had recently moved to the area and a family member said, you know mom let's see if you are eligible for care at the VA, and she is,” says Francie Mahoney, Women Veterans Program Manager.

Mahoney says many women who served may not know what health benefits are available to them through the VA.

There are a couple of events in early November to help you discover what is at your disposal. Go to the bottom of this story for a link to the information.

https://www.facebook.com/VAReno/photos/a.227392637313617.79797.146499805402901/1652958848090315/?type=3&theater