Women’s History Month: Honoring Native American Women Veterans

Every year, the month of March is nationally known to recognize Women’s History Month. This year VA Honored Native American Women Veterans for the month of March. Tomah VA reached out to the local Tribal Veteran Service Office to partner in highlighting local Native American Women Veterans. Tomah VA recognizes all women Veterans for their dedication and service to this country.

Native American Women first joined the U.S. Military during WWII and held many different roles. Between serving and volunteering, Native American Women Veterans have had an exemplary tradition of military service for over 200 years, overcoming adversity. Today, Native American Women Veterans represent approximately 11.3% of all women Veterans, which is a higher percentage than women in all other demographics.

The Tomah VA understands that every Veteran’s healthcare is shaped by language, culture, and other social factors. We aim to provide culturally tailored health initiatives to improve your experience at VA and your health outcomes.  From training our VA health care providers to consider your individual cultures, values, and experiences, to acknowledging your holistic beliefs in health and preferences for traditional healing methods, we provide you with the care you need.

Additionally, the Tomah VA continues to extend telehealth services, increase our VA health care providers’ cultural awareness, and expand information-sharing for Native American Women Veteran’s health care coordination through:

• VA Office of Tribal Government Relations
• VA’s first Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs 
• VHA Office of Tribal Health
• VA Office of Rural Health – including Telemental Health Clinics for American Indian Veterans and Rural Native Veteran Health Care Navigator Program 

The Tomah VA also collaborates with local Indian Health Services to improve your health care and ensure VA-enrolled, eligible Native American Women Veterans and their families receive reimbursement for care at these local facilities.  If you are not currently enrolled in VA health care, we encourage you to contact our Women Veteran’s Program Manager at 1-800-872-8662 ext. 66375 to help you get enrolled in VA care. 

The VA proudly serves Native American Women Veterans with health care you can trust and are continuously aiming to ensure culturally sensitive and respectful care is provided to you. 

Additional story contributors ~Sarah Rezin, Tomah VA Women Veterans Program Manager and Sally Haskell, Acting Chief Officer for VA Office of Women’s Health.