The VA hopes to open its doors to the more than 1 million women veterans who are not utilizing the department’s programs, leaders told more than 1,500 attendees at a March 28 forum closing out Women’s History Month.

MOAA participated in the in-person and virtual event which featured speakers from across the VA, lawmakers, and VA Secretary Doug Collins, who commended women veterans for breaking barriers and acknowledged their immense contributions as leaders in in and out uniform.

“We are a family,” Collins told the audience. “Our focus will shift from the department to veteran, ensuring they remain at the center of everything we do — because that’s why we exist.”

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More than 2 million women veterans live in the U.S. They represent the fastest-growing population within the VA system – projected to increase 4% to 5% by 2043.

Secretary’s Vision

Collins outlined key priorities for the department, including allocating resources effectively to serve veterans and addressing critical issues such as suicide and homelessness, noting that more than half of affected veterans have never engaged with the VA.

He called upon attendees and community partners to assist in reaching 1 million women veterans by engaging with them, being their battle buddy, and bringing them into the VA.

 “VA can’t do it all,” Collins said. “We need your help. What we do today will impact those who come after us, so let’s join hands and make it happen.”

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A Call for Community Engagement

Jacquelyn Hayes-Byrd, executive director of the VA Center for Women Veterans, announced plans to establish a new strategy to engage with community and veterans service organizations (VSOs) like MOAA. Efforts also are underway for enhancements to the "I'm Not Invisible" campaign, Hayes-Byrd said, looking to ensure women veterans feel seen, heard, and valued, thereby building trust in the VA.

The forum featured a range of speakers from across the VA, including the Center for Minority Veterans, Office of Women's Health, Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, Center for Faith, Veterans Benefits and National Cemeteries Administrations, Office of Mental Health, and Homeless Programs.

Dr. Lynda Davis, VA Chief Experience Officer, reinforced the VA's commitment to improving transition assistance services and supporting veterans at critical moments in their lives. She emphasized the department’s goal of building trust and effectively allocating resources to engage 1 million women veterans.

MOAA intends to help the department achieve its goal by working with the VA to promote its services and encourage women veterans to access service-earned benefits.

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Resources for Women Veterans 

For more information on VA services for women veterans, visit:

• VA Center for Women Veterans
• VA Center for Minority Veterans
• Women Veterans Health Care
• Women Veterans Benefits
• VA National Cemetery Administration Facts on Women and Minority Veterans
• Women Veterans Outreach

If you have questions or can’t find what you’re looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at (855) 829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives also can help you enroll in VA health care or set up a medical appointment, and can answer questions about eligibility and disability ratings, as well as other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans.

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Eastern, and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern.