VA Manchester shapes the future for women Veterans’ health care

Among the attendees and distinguished guest speakers, a woman with two young children and a service dog stood out regarding the milestone about to take place. Andrea Rogers is a U.S. Army and New Hampshire Army National Guard Veteran who chooses Manchester VAMC for her health care and represents one of thousands of female Veterans throughout the Granite State to benefit from the clinic expansion.

“This clinic symbolizes progress, inclusivity, and our collective responsibility to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, receives the care and respect they deserve,” shared Rogers during her remarks at the ceremony.

“I stand before you as someone who has personally benefitted from the comprehensive programs offered by the VA, particularly in the realm of maternity care. “Pregnancy and motherhood are profound experiences for any woman, but for those of us who have served our country, they come with their own set of challenges and complexities,” stated Rogers.

Acting Medical Center Director Julie Vose hosted the event expressing VA Manchester in collaboration with our Veteran Integrated Service Network 1, strategically expanded staffing, and infrastructure to ensure access to health care and benefits to our fastest growing Veteran population.

“There are about 7,400 women Veterans in New Hampshire, and 38% of them are using the VA for their health care,” shared Vose. “The number of women Veterans we serve will continue to grow, and we are excited that this expanded, 9,000-square-foot women’s health clinic is just around the horizon and slated to open in the fall of 2025.”

VISN 1 Deputy Director Barrett Franklin added, “It's going to be able to provide state of the art space to all the women Veterans across the state of New Hampshire. We're really looking forward to being able to open this new environment that's going to be not only able to provide top quality care, but conducive to their long-term well-being.”

Dr. Melissa Martinez-Adorno, gynecologist for the Women Veterans Health Clinic and Women Veterans Program Manager Laura Caisse welcome the unique design features enhancing the “patient-centered, team-based” (PACT) model of care.

The new Women Veterans Health Clinic design features include direct access from the Mountain Entrance into the clinic for privacy, an open waiting room with a children’s alcove, a private lactation room, 5 clinical exam rooms, 1 large procedure room, 3 consult rooms to support mental health services, social work, and whole-health initiatives, and clinical staff areas to promote easy access for patient support and PACT primary care.

Martinez-Adorno said, “I think that the beauty of this new facility is going to be able to provide really comprehensive women's health care to our Veterans that encompasses both their mind-body and heart but also attends to their gender specific needs.”

“For far too long, the unique needs of women Veterans have been overlooked or underestimated. But today marks a significant step forward in recognizing and addressing those needs head-on,” said Rogers. “This clinic represents more than bricks and mortar; it symbolizes our nations commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of women who have served in uniform.”

Added Rogers, “Let us not forget the women who have paved the way for this moment, nor the women who will benefit from the services provided by this clinic for generations to come.”

For more information regarding health care services and resources contact Women Veterans Program Manager Laura Caisse at 603-624-4366 extension 6541.

Lori Flynn, Public Affairs Officer

603-624-4366