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Effective November 6, 2024, masks are required to be worn by all patients, visitors and non-staff caregivers in the following departments; Emergency Department, Outpatient Chemotherapy, Outpatient Dialysis, 5C, RRTP, CCU and Inpatient Medical Surgical Units.

VA Portland Health Care System celebrates Pride Month during the month of June

PRESS RELEASE

July 8, 2024

Portland , OR — PORTLAND, Ore.–The VA Portland Health Care System kicked off Pride Month with a ceremonial flag raising at their Portland campus on June 3, 2024.

Each June, the Department of Veterans Affairs celebrates Pride Month, an annual commemoration of the Stonewall riots that took place in 1969 in New York City. Pride is now recognized globally as a celebration of diversity, a promotion of acceptance and equality, and a symbol of the continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

“Pride Counts” is more than an affirmation to LGBTQ+ Veterans that they are seen, welcomed, and celebrated at VA. It is an invitation to stand together, recognizing the value and contributions of LGBTQ+ Veterans, staff, caregivers, and allies. This year, we aim to highlight the importance of visibility and belonging. Gender identity and sexual orientation matter in health care, and we envision a VA where everyone feels comfortable and supported in being their authentic selves.  

LGBTQ+ Veterans have a longstanding history within VA. Their service, sacrifices, and contributions are recognized and valued. The LGBTQ+ community is comprised of people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer identities. The “+” sign captures identities beyond LGBTQ, including but not limited to questioning, pansexual, asexual, agender, gender diverse, nonbinary, gender-neutral, and other identities. LGBTQ+ Veterans have faced stigma and discrimination, which can affect health. VA strives to provide an atmosphere in which Veterans of all sexual orientations and gender identities can talk openly and comfortably with their health care providers about every aspect of their lives. From the physical to the mental, from the emotional to the spiritual, VA is here to provide you with what you need. 
Like all Veterans, LGBTQ+ Veterans have unique healthcare goals and needs, which is why every VHA facility has a LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator to help navigate their healthcare.

We are proud to serve all who served. We will continue to uplift and celebrate every Veteran and serve them the best way we know how, through world-class healthcare.

Please visit our website for more information on Pride Counts, and resources available to LGBTQ+ Veterans: https://www.patientcare.va.gov/lgbt/

Media contacts

Nick Choy, Public Affairs Specialist

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