VA Augusta offers wide-ranging services to local LGBTQ+ Veteran community

Media interested in learning about local LGBTQ+ Veteran health care services as part of their PRIDE coverage should email VhaAugPublicAffairs@va.gov

AUGUSTA, Ga. — VA Augusta Health Care System joins the nation in observing Pride Month, celebrating the many invaluable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, including the LGBTQ+ Veteran patients under our care. VA Augusta representatives will participate in Augusta Pride June 23-24 and be available to discuss VA LGBTQ+ services with local Veterans, caregivers, and media.

“Excellence in care has no boundaries,” said Dr. Jennifer Merrifield, VA Augusta clinical psychologist and LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator. “To ensure our Veterans receive high-quality, compassionate care, we encourage them to share their sexual orientation and gender identities with their VA care team.”

VA Augusta provides comprehensive care for local LGBTQ+ Veterans, including routine health services, mental health care, hormone and surgery readiness evaluations, gender prosthetic devices, voice therapy, hormone therapy, PrEP and PEP (HIV-mitigation) treatment, name-change assistance, and discharge upgrades.

VA Augusta Health Care System serves about 50,000 Veteran patients each year in Georgia and South Carolina. In addition to the two Medical Center campuses in Augusta, it operates three outpatient clinics in Aiken, South Carolina, and Athens and Statesboro, Georgia.

Veterans seeking more information on VA Augusta’s LGBTQ+ Veteran services should contact Dr. Jennifer Merrifield at Jennifer.Merrifield@va.gov.

Will Martin, Chief of Public Affairs

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