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Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits

Women Veteran care

VA Portland Health Care System is committed to meeting the unique needs of Women Veterans by delivering the highest quality health care to each woman, while offering her the privacy, dignity, and sensitivity to gender-specific needs that she deserves. We respect patients’ preferences regarding provider gender for health care and mental health care.  We look forward to meeting your health care needs. Patients will be referred to community providers for any service not available at VA Portland HCS. A women Veteran care coordinator can help you get the services you need.

Connect with your Women Veterans Program team.

Photo of Sarah Súñiga

Sarah Suniga PhD (Pronouns: She/her/hers)

Women Veterans Program Manager

VA Portland health care

Phone: 503-220-3431, ext. 53431

Email: Sarah.Suniga@va.gov

Photo of Dr. Brenda LaFavor

Brenda Lafavor MD

Women’s Health Medical Director (WHMD)

VA Portland health care

Phone: 503-220-3431

Photo of Odessa Cole, PhD

Odessa Cole PhD

Women’s Mental Health Program Director and also Acting Director of Psychology Internship Training

VA Portland health care

Phone: (503) 220-8262, ext. 57410

Email: odessa.cole2@va.gov

Meghan Kauffman RN, BSN

Women’s Health Navigator (WHN)

VA Portland health care

Phone: 503-220-3431

Care we provide at VA Portland health care

Our women's health program offers women Veterans comprehensive care, including: 

  • Primary care
  • Gynecology
  • Maternity care, childbirth education classes, and postpartum support
  • Ultrasounds and mammograms
  • Mental health care and counseling
  • Lifestyle wellness services

  • VA women’s health services

    Find out more about the women's health services offered as part of VA benefits.

  • Mental health care

    Learn about the mental and behavioral health services available at VA Portland.

  • Patient advocates

    When to contact a patient advocate at VA Portland and how they can help.

  • VA benefits for active service members

    If you're on active duty in the United States uniformed services, including active National Guard and Reserve, you may be eligible for benefits both during service and after separation or retirement. Find out which benefits you qualify for and when to apply.

  • Cervical Cancer Awareness

    Join our Women Veterans Program Manager in a discussion with Women's Health experts in the areas of Primary Care and Mental Health focused on cervical cancer screenings. We discuss why cervical cancer screenings are important and offer strategies to improve the experience.

  • VA Portland MOVE Program

    VA Portland offers a free weight management program for Veterans. Women Veteran virtual groups available.

  • Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)

    If you or someone you know is in a potentially abusive or violent relationship, we can help.

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