|
LGBTQ+ Health Program Updates
Fall is finally here!
Despite the cold weather we still have upcoming LGBTQ+ events and information. Additionally, if you are willing to share your story to fellow Veterans, please let us know. We love to brag on our Veterans and there are others who can learn from your experiences.
Stop by and see us at these community events:
Wayne D Horner Memorial Homeless Stand Down-Madison
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Salvation Army of Dane County; Madison, WI
Top of Illinois Veteran’s Stand Down
Friday, October 27, 2023
Nordlof Center; Rockford, IL
We also have upcoming staff training:
New Medical Support Assistants Sexual & Gender Minority Affirming Language Training
Ongoing bi-weekly throughout the year
For general information about resources at the Madison VA Hospital and Clinics, visit our LGBTQ+ Veteran Care website. As always, I am here to help navigate LGBTQ+ resources and answer questions for you. Feel free to reach out any time.
Sincerely,
Margo Edge
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator
Madison VA Hospital and Clinics
|
|
|
Get to Know your VA Staff
|
|
Ellen Wanninger Decker
I have been a medical social worker at VA for the past nine years and I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. I identify as bisexual and had the joy of marrying my wife, Genevieve, last December. My current role is the Madison VA Dementia Care Coordinator and Visually Impaired Service Team Coordinator. I work with individuals living with dementia and their care partners as well as with Veterans living with functional vision loss or blindness.
|
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and our dog, Winnie, going on walks, gardening and cooking. I am so grateful for LGBTQ+ community that came before me and made the life I lead possible, especially LGBTQ+ Veterans who faced additional layers of challenge, service and sacrifice.
It is truly an honor to meet and work with Veterans each day. Please feel free to stop me and say hello if you ever see me at the hospital.
|
|
|
Pride In All Who Served
 Starting Tuesday, November 7, 2023, a new cohort of the Pride In All Who Served group beings from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. via VA Video Connect.
Pride In All Who Served is a group for Veterans designed to support the development and strengthen LGBTQ+ identities. It provides an opportunity to connect with peers and build a health support system in a welcoming environment. Topics include: LGBTQ+ identity, military culture, VA culture, sexual health and more. This group is ten sessions and is not meant to replace a physical or mental health treatment plan.
To join us, ask your VA provider to place a Social Work Group Outpatient consult or contact the Madison VA Hospital and Clinics LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator at 608-256-1901 ext. 10762.
|
|
Taking Care of YOU
Consider putting together a physical kit that you can utilize as you are out and about and at home. While on the go, download the Virtual Hope Box app by uploading favorite pictures, videos, affirmations and other recordings.
Also consider engaging your five senses when using tangible items to increase hopefulness. For example:
- For Touch - stress ball, putty, fidget toys, weighted blanket, instant ice pack
- For Smell - essential oils, pressed flowers, extracts, scented lotions
- For Taste - chocolates, sour or spicy candy, gum, favorite snack
- For Sound - playlist, prerecorded mindfulness exercises using mindfulness apps, funny cat videos
- For Sight - coloring supplies, personal pictures, postcards
|
|
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) established a lifetime ban for men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood products in 1985. In 2015, this was moved to a one-year deferral, which was shortened to 90 days in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when blood donations were at historic lows.
On May 11, 2023, the FDA finalized recommendations to end the practice of restricting blood donations based on sexual orientation. The American Red Cross determines eligibility based on an individual donor history questionnaire that is gender neutral. All donors are given the same questions regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The questionnaire includes sexual behavior questions to evaluate individual risk factors. Prospective donors may still be deferred if they had sexual contact with a new partner, multiple partners or engaged in anal intercourse in the last three months. Individuals on pre or post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention may be deferred for a period of time following their last dose.
Prospective donors should reach out to any blood donation center to inquire about the agency’s policies on LGBTQ+ blood donation.
At the Madison VA Hospital and Clinics, we welcome this policy change which was instituted prior to our last blood drive in August. We were happy to welcome new LGBTQ+ blood donors!
|
|
|
Share Your Story
The Madison VA Public Affairs team is always looking to highlight our Veterans on social media, in newsletters and on other platforms. No matter your journey, there is someone who can learn from your experiences. We are proud of YOU - please consider letting us share your story. To discuss the possibility, contact LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator Margo Edge (Margo.Edge@va.gov, 608-256-1901 ext. 10762) or Public Affairs Chief Jim Bove (James.Bove@va.gov, 608-256-1901 ext.13484).
|
|
|
|
|
