TVHS celebrates Women Veterans Recognition Day with education, resources, and community

Hosted by the TVHS Women Veterans Program, the annual Women Veterans Recognition Day Resource Fair at the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center brought together clinical experts, benefits specialists, and support services to provide education, wellness resources, and opportunities for connection.

“This day is about celebrating women Veterans and honoring their service,” said Lynn Daughtry, TVHS Women Veterans Program Manager. “It’s also an opportunity to provide valuable information about the health care services available to them and ensure they know they have a place here.”

Throughout the day, women Veterans attended presentations focused on topics including pelvic floor health, cardiovascular disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), perimenopause and menopause. Clinical experts discussed how military service can impact women’s health and highlighted treatment options available through VA. The day concluded with a Quilt of Valor presentation for one of the women Veterans in attendance. 

At the Chattanooga VA Clinic, the day commenced with a Quilt of Valor presentation followed by a clay arts workshop for women Veterans. 

"Working with clay encourages self-expression, relaxation, and connection, offering Women Veterans a supportive space to build community, reflect on their experiences, and explore a hands‑on wellness activity," said Deidra Campbell, Chattanooga VA Clinic Manager.

Expanding services to meet growth

Daughtry emphasized that women Veterans often experience health conditions differently than the general population and benefit from care tailored to their military experiences. Additionally, research from VA highlights the various conditions and challenges women Veterans are at higher risk for than their male counterparts such as cardiovascular disease, further promoting the need for enhanced understanding and access to specialized care.

“We [VA] know how to take care of Veterans,” Daughtry said. “Women Veterans have unique health care needs, and VA is uniquely positioned to provide that care. We understand the connection between physical, mental, and emotional health and can offer comprehensive services that address all of those areas.”

TVHS currently serves more than 17,000 enrolled women Veterans in middle Tennessee, southern Kentucky, and northern Georgia, making women one of the fastest-growing Veteran populations across VA. In response to that growth, TVHS has expanded services and staffing to better meet demand.

Over the past year, TVHS has added several specialized positions, including a women’s health psychologist, women’s health pharmacist, reproductive health and fertility care coordinator, and two pelvic floor physical therapists. Additionally, TVHS is expanding and building new facilities across middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky to enhance Veterans' access to VA care. Future locations include Nashville, Clarksville, Cookeville, Bowling Green, and Columbia.

Pelvic health therapy

Pelvic floor therapy has become one of the most sought-after services among women Veterans. Daughtry explained that pregnancy, aging, and the physical demands of military service can significantly impact pelvic health and quality of life.

“Many women assume issues like incontinence are a normal part of aging, but they’re not,” Daughtry said. “There are treatments available, and pelvic floor therapy can make a tremendous difference.”

Women Veterans interested in learning more about pelvic health services are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or contact the TVHS Women’s Health Program directly.

In addition to primary care and mental health services, TVHS offers maternity care coordination, fertility and reproductive health services, cancer screenings, pharmacy support and wellness programs tailored specifically for women Veterans.

"VA is unmatched"

With more than a dozen women Veterans in attendance, Army Veteran Sharon Lane praised the TVHS Women Veterans Program and other care services. 

"Lynn cares and she is fantastic," said Lane. "The care I receive here is great. The women's program helped me a lot, and the women's grief group they offer with chaplain Woodretta Allen truly saved my life. It's been great." 

Drawing on more than 30 years of nursing experience, Daughtry said one of the greatest strengths of VA is its integrated approach to care.

“The access to mental health services at VA is unmatched,” she said. “Mental health and physical health are connected, and our Veterans have access to a wide range of resources that support both.”

As Women Veterans Recognition Day concluded, Daughtry reflected on the relationships built through the Women’s Health Program and the privilege of serving those who served the nation.

“Our role is to be advocates for women Veterans,” she said. “We are committed to improving services, meeting their needs, and honoring the trust they place in us every day.”

To learn more about women's health services, visit the Women Veteran Care website, or email TVHWomenHealthPivotalGroup@va.gov.