Celebrating Women Who Advocate for Equity

I am Alma Holley, Nurse Manager with the Women’s Health Clinic at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. I am committed to ensuring that care and services for all women Veterans are equal and available because of their dedication to serving our country. Life is not always easy for women to serve in the military.  The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging but incredibly complicated for a female Veteran. Increasingly unique challenges await those who are transitioning to civilian life, such as a lack of financial stability, affordable childcare, and a community of fellow female Veterans.

For women, cultural stereotypes and the gender pay gap enhance the chances of a difficult transition. Women Veterans should always feel welcomed and included at the VA and have access to services equal to those of male Veterans, so, I am committed to working to provide equal services.

I continue to serve the mission of the VA because I believe Veterans deserve the best health care in the world. I believe serving in the VA is my opportunity to give back to my fellow Veterans. Women Veterans often do not "self-identify" as Veterans for many reasons, and I enjoy creating a welcoming space when they come to the VA. I enjoy working in an organization that provides many services to women Veterans. Also, VA medical care is part of my retirement plan as a Veteran, so I am committed to making healthcare extraordinary.

The VA has dramatically changed since I first started serving Veterans at the medical center over 20 years ago.  I often tell other women Veterans that “it’s not your father’s VA” (My father was in the Navy and used VA services). 

Women are the fastest-growing population of Veterans, and it is exciting to see all the women who come to the VA for care. I am overjoyed to share the services available to women to cover different stages of their lives. From preconception, primary care, whole health, birth control, maternity, mental health, and infertility to menopause, the Washington DC VA Medical Center covers all the bases. It takes a complex healthcare organization to care for beautifully complex women Veterans, and I am committed to continually advocating for equitable, safe, quality care.

To learn more about the Women’s Health Clinic, visit: https://bit.ly/3Tjmii8

To contact the clinic, call: 202-745-8383