Milwaukee VA Medical Center opens new Women's Health Clinic
By Milwaukee VA Public Affairs, https://www.va.gov/milwaukee-health-care/
Female Veterans now have a space of their own at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.
On Wednesday, March 18, the ribbon was cut signaling the opening of the new Women’s Health Clinic.
“At the Milwaukee VA, we are so proud of the care we provide to our female Veterans,” said Acting Women Veterans Program Manager Melissa Johnston. “We’re super excited for them to share this new space with us.”
Located in the medical center at 5000 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, the clinic occupies 6,000 square feet of renovated space on the hospital’s first floor.
It offers a private, women-focused environment designed to meet the unique needs of the approximately 2,000 female Veterans the Milwaukee VA serves.
“It is with great pride and excitement that we open this clinic,” said Milwaukee VA Chief of Staff Dr. Andreea Anton. “This clinic represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care to our Veterans.”
Anton said the clinic will provide female Veterans “the comprehensive, compassionate and personalized care they deserve. We are opening new opportunities for the health and well-being of our women Veterans. Let us continue to honor and serve our brave women Veterans with the excellence they deserve.”
The clinic brings together Mental Health, Pharmacy, Primary Care, Whole Health and Gynecology in one location, improving coordination and access to care.
It includes private bathrooms, an adjacent lactation room and state-of-the-art procedure rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology for gynecology services — creating a modern, comfortable and supportive experience.
The new clinic features modern design tailored to female Veterans, including separate check-in and dedicated administrative space that allows patients’ health care teams to work together out of the same space.
The goal is to foster patient-centered care, enhance communication and create an environment where patients feel more connected and supported.
Currently, the women’s clinic shares space with the Red Clinic, which serves both male and female Veterans. While there is a small waiting area for women after check-in, the space is limited and not fully private.
When the project began, the goal was to provide a setting that respects privacy, comfort and comprehensive health needs of female Veterans, who are the fastest-growing demographic in the military.
“This has been a long time coming,” said Milwaukee VA Executive Director Jim McLain, noting that project has been some 15 years in the making. “It was a lot of ongoing persistence to make sure it was done the right way. We’re so very proud to open this clinic.”
Design contracts were awarded in 2019, and construction contracts were awarded in 2023. The total cost (design, construction, commissioning) is $6.69 million. Because the project was in renovated space, it required the construction of new offices for the hospital’s cafeteria, construction of a new corridor for the kitchen staff and new male and female restrooms.
“This clinic is a testament to our dedication to women Veterans and the incredible teamwork that made it possible,” said Stefanie Shierk, Acting Primary Care Division Manager. “We are thrilled to offer a space that enhances privacy, comfort and access to care for those who have served our nation. This new environment reflects our commitment to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered services in a setting that truly honors the unique needs of women Veterans.”