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LGBTQ+ Veteran Care

The mission of VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System (HCS) seeks to promote the health, welfare, and dignity of LGBTQ+ Veterans and their families. We are committed to providing affirming, accessible, and high-quality healthcare.

Your LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC)

Michelle Wilcox studio portrait. She poses in front of the American flag and a blue background.

Michelle C. Wilcox LCSW, LASUDC

LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator

VA Salt Lake City health care

Phone: 801-582-1565, ext. 3481

Email: michelle.wilcox@va.gov

Services available at VA Salt Lake City HCS

Our LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator is a source of information, Veteran advocate and problem-solver for LGBTQ+ Veteran-related health care issues. The VA medical facility LGBTQ+ VCC plays a critical role in ensuring affirming, culturally-competent, Veteran-centered and effective care for LGBTQ+ Veterans. Services include:

LGBTQ+ policies and practices to know

The LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator can help you get started with care or with navigating any of these issues.

Changing name in records: Your name in your medical record will reflect your legal name. However, VA policy requires that we refer to you by the name that you prefer. It is required that VHA staff use the name you requested when addressing or referring to you, including in conversation and clinical notes. To have a preferred name added, you should contact registration and enrollment (National Guidance FAQs). You have the right to request that your name be updated. There are established procedures for changing your name with the VA Privacy Officer. Your LGBTQ+ VCC can provide assistance.

Changing birth sex in records: Your birth sex and gender identity are important parts of who you are that should be shared with your healthcare provider. By sharing this information with your provider, you are helping to ensure that you receive the highest quality care. Previously, your medical record had only one place for your birth sex and gender. Now, you can have both your birth sex and your gender identity in your medical record. If you wish to change your birth sex information after talking with your health care team, this is your right in the VA system (Birth Sex and Gender Identity Fact Sheet).

Sexual orientation and sexual health assessment: VA providers are asking you about your sexual orientation and sexual health to provide you with the health care that best meets your needs. This information will be part of your private, protected health record (Sexual Orientation and Sexual Health Fact Sheet).

Documentation in medical records: VA Salt Lake City maintains the confidentiality of information about sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity, just like any other private health information.

Visitation: Your same-sex partner, family member, friend, or other individual can be present with you for emotional support during the course of your stay.

Definition of family: "Family" may include individual(s) not legally related to you. Family members include spouses, domestic partners, different-sex and same-sex significant others.

Advance directives: You may designate any person as a decision-maker for care if you won't be able to make these decisions yourself. This includes same-sex partners. Advance directive agents are chosen by you and do not need to be biologically related.

For more information visit VHA LGBTQ+ Patient Care Services.

Gender Identity Veteran Experience (GIVE) Program

Our Gender Identity Veteran Experience (GIVE) Program offers specialized, culturally sensitive, competent, and gender affirming medical, mental health, and daily living care for all eligible Transgender and Intersex veterans. 

VA Salt Lake City Gender Identity Veteran Experience (GIVE) Program