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LGBTQ+ Veteran care

VA Black Hills health care employees receive training in clinical care that is responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans. Our trained LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinators are fully equipped to support the health, welfare, and dignity of you and your family.

Connect with a care coordinator

Kimberly Hayes Psy.D.

Graduate Psychologist, RC CBOC LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator

VA Black Hills health care

Phone: (605) 718-1095 ext. 33058

Email: kimberly.hayes1@va.gov

Stardust Red Bow

Mental Health Points of Contact

VA Black Hills health care

Phone: (605) 490-9704

Email: stardust.redbow@va.gov

Care we provide at VA Black Hills health care

We promote the health, welfare, and dignity of Veterans who identify as lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+) or a related identity. We focus on ensuring a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment when providing you with sensitive and high-quality health care services like:

More information can be found here on LGBTQ+ Health at VA and resources.

Policies and practices to know

The care coordinator can help you get started with care or with navigating any of these issues.

Visitation: A same-sex partner, family member, friend, or other individual can be present with the patient for emotional support during the course of the patient's stay.

Definition of family: "Family" may include individual(s) not legally related to the individual. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, different-sex and same-sex significant others.

Advance directives: Veterans may designate any person as a decision-maker for care if they won't be able to make these decisions themselves. This includes same-sex partners. Advance directive agents are chosen by the Veteran and do not need to be biologically related.

Documentation in medical records: VA Black Hills maintains the confidentiality of information about sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity, just like any other private health information.

Changing name or sex in records: Your name in your medical record will reflect your legal name. The sex in your medical record should reflect your self-identified gender. You have the right to request that your name and sex are updated as appropriate. There are established procedures for changing your name and sex with the VA Privacy Officer.

HOW TO CONTACT US VIA EMAIL

If you have any questions or want to talk with our experts, our email address is :

VHABHHCSLGBTQ@VA.gov