Are you a transitioning servicewoman or woman veteran? Would you like to know more about accessing VA’s broad benefits, health care, and services but don’t know where to start?

If so, the VA wants to connect with you during its three-day Women Veterans Summit, where attendees (both in-person and virtual) can learn about available programs, share challenges, and find other avenues of support.

The Sept. 5-7 event, a quadrennial conference that will celebrate the department’s “Year of Empowerment,” will be held at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C., but virtual attendance is an option.

[REGISTER: 2024 VA Quadrennial National Women Veterans Summit]

Joining with military and veteran service organizations like MOAA; non-governmental organizations; nonprofits; veteran service providers; local, state, and federal partners; and other stakeholders, the VA will brings all its resources and assistance to one location to help women obtain their service-earned benefits and services. Hosted by the VA Center for Women Veterans and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Assault and Harassment Prevention Office, the summit will provide an opportunity to:

• Exchange information about VA benefits and services, including health screenings.
• Facilitate resolutions to challenges faced by women veterans, especially any unique needs.
• Engage in transparent dialogue about issues impacting women veterans, which can lead to big ideas that will improve the delivery of care and services.
• Share women-focused research and innovations, and connect with community providers.

[RELATED: Congress Focuses on Improving Health Care and Services for Women Veterans]

Women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population and represent 11% of U.S. veterans. About 17% of both the active duty and the reserve component force are women — all numbers that will grow in the coming years, according to DoD and VA projections.

The VA continues to evolve to meet the needs of women who serve or have served. Notably, the department has expanded its mission to care for women and to provide gender-specific care. In fact, the VA will celebrate 101 years of delivering health care to women veterans around the time of the summit.

[RELATED: VA Marks 100 Years of Health Care for Women Veterans]

I have used VA services both on active duty and since I retired from the Navy and joined MOAA’s government relations department. It amazes me how much the VA has changed for the better over the years. It’s not perfect, and I have had my share of frustrations, but I am so glad I have stuck with my VA – and I hope other women veterans give the VA a chance.

MOAA and other veterans advocacy groups remain committed to working with Congress and the VA to further improve health care, benefits, and services for women veterans.

Click here to join MOAA at the Women Veterans Summit.