From North to South: Bay Pines VA Provides Support to Women Veterans
The staff at Bay Pines VA Healthcare System are working hard to fulfill their promise to serve all who served.
On June 29, 2024, the cornerstone of Veteran health care in southwest Florida aligned words with action through the facilitation of two women-specific PACT Act events at the C.W.Y VA Medical Center and the Lee County Healthcare Center.
“Women of all ages and backgrounds attended today’s event, but many of them weren’t sure if they should even be evaluated for toxic exposures. An event like this really helps educate them about what their options are,” said Bay Pines VA Women Veteran Program Manager Donna Sherman. “Today was a great opportunity to reach out to women Veterans and we really are anxious to meet them, serve them, and hear about their experiences.”
During the four-hour events, attendees had an opportunity to complete toxic exposure screenings (TES) in a secure and private environment. A TES is conducted under the authority provided by the PACT Act of 2022 and it evaluates whether Veterans were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange and other toxic substances during their time in service.
“Of the women who I evaluated this weekend, they were grateful that they were given the information needed to pursue benefits related to their time in service,” said Bay Pines VA Compensation and Pension Section Chief Dr. Keisha McFarlane. “Many of them felt like they had been overlooked so the fact that we focused on women, showed them they are heard and that their exposures also matter, was important to them.”
The combined attendance for both events was 85 Veterans and, of those, 27 received a TES and 18 were enrolled to receive health care from Bay Pines VA.
Approximately 11,000 women Veterans entrust their care to Bay Pines VA and, since the passage of the landmark legislation, Bay Pines VA has completed a TES for more than 70% of this population. Although many of the women Veterans who receive care from Bay Pines VA have been screened, all women Veterans are encouraged to complete the process.
“For women Veterans who may have had a negative experience with VA in the past, I urge them to give it another try,” McFarlane shared. “We want to evaluate people for health conditions that may be associated with their military service and offer them treatment, because that is the very least we can do for our Nation’s heroes.”
In addition to receiving information specific to the PACT Act, light refreshments and a raffle were offered and attendees received an opportunity to learn about gender-specific medical and mental health services, enroll in VA’s medical benefits, and obtain connections to resources in the community. Various Bay Pines VA services including, but not limited to, Whole Health, Mental Health, and Social Work, as well as 13 community partners were in attendance to offer support to the women who’ve worn our Nation’s cloth.
“I think this event is phenomenal, there are so many incredible resources here for women Veterans,” said U.S. Air Force Veteran Casey Carroll. “I feel like the VA’s done so much, probably within the last decade, for women Veterans and I greatly appreciate them stepping up.”
Carroll continued, “Initially, I was super nervous about seeking care at the VA, but everyone is very welcoming and eager to help you. I know taking that first step is scary because I went through it too but it’s one of the best things I could have done for myself.”
The Bay Pines VA Women Veteran Program is proud to support our Nation’s heroes through the delivery of world-class care and displays of recognition. Women Veterans who have questions about the services available to them, or who are interested in being honored on Bay Pines VA’s Women Veteran Wall, are encouraged to email VHABAYWVP@va.gov.