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Heart Health Through Connection: Women Veterans Gather at Cape Cod Vet Center

Gray building with black trim, multiple windows, and blue sign in front of parking lot.
The Cape Cod Vet Center, located at 474 West Main St. in Hyannis, Massachusetts, provides confidential counseling and outreach services to Veterans, service members and their families in a welcoming community-based setting.

By Justyn Charon, Public Affairs Specialist

Heart health conversations do not always need to happen in exam rooms. For Women Veterans attending a recent social at the Cape Cod Vet Center, education and awareness were delivered through connection, conversation and shared experience.

The Women Veterans Social provided an informal, welcoming space where participants could build community while learning about heart health. The event aligned with Go Red for Women’s Heart Health efforts supported by VA Providence and focused on prevention, lifestyle choices and early awareness.

Joanne Barrett, Women Veteran Program Manager, was on hand to share educational resources and answer questions. Topics included understanding personal risk factors, recognizing symptoms that may present differently in women and making sustainable lifestyle changes that support long-term heart health.

“Creating a comfortable, trusted environment makes these conversations easier and more meaningful,” said Franchesca Rodriguez-Ruiz, director of the Cape Cod Vet Center. “When Women Veterans feel supported, they are more likely to engage, ask questions and take steps to care for their health.”

By hosting the event in a non-clinical setting, the social reduced barriers that can sometimes prevent participation. Veterans were able to learn at their own pace, connect with peers and engage in open dialogue without the pressure of appointments or medical settings.

Adam Doerfler, Veteran Outreach Program Specialist at the Cape Cod Vet Center, emphasized the value of peer support. “Connection is powerful,” Doerfler said. “When Women Veterans come together, they remind each other that heart health is not something they have to manage alone.”

The event reinforced that heart health is about more than medical care. It is also shaped by relationships, emotional well-being and access to reliable information. Through conversation and shared experiences, participants strengthened a sense of belonging while gaining practical knowledge they can apply in daily life.

Women Veterans interested in learning more about programs and events at the Cape Cod Vet Center are encouraged to visit www.va.gov/cape-cod-vet-center/. Additional heart health resources are available at www.heart.org.