|
The countdown is on!
In just 30 days, women Veterans from across the region will gather in San Antonio, Texas, for the first-ever Women Veterans Enrollment Summit (WVEI) taking place July 24-25, 2026 – and there is still time to register.
Hosted by the VA Center for Women Veterans as part of the Women Veterans Enrollment Initiative, the summit is more than an event – it is a movement built around a single mission: ensuring that women Veterans are enrolled in and connected to the benefits, resources, end-of-life planning, job opportunities, contract support, whole health information, claims enhancement, community, and support they have earned through their service.
This is “Boots on the Ground for Boots on the Ground."
The summit is designed to meet women Veterans where they are – whether they already use VA services, are transitioning out of the military, have never enrolled before, or simply want to learn more about the resources available to them and their families.
For those who have served, navigating benefits and services can feel overwhelming. Others may not realize they are eligible for programs, health care, support services, end-of-life planning, or community resources available through VA and partner organizations. This summit creates a space where women Veterans can ask the questions, make the connections, share their experiences, and walk away enrolled, informed and empowered.
And they will not be doing it alone.
Women Veterans attending the summit can expect opportunities to connect with others who understand the unique experiences of military service and transition. From informative sessions and enrollment resources to conversations that foster lasting relationships, the summit is focused on connection just as much as it is on enrollment information.
Bring a battle buddy with you. Bring a friend. Bring another woman Veteran who is not enrolled in VA, or who may need support, resources, or simply a reminder that she is not alone.
Attendees will have opportunities to:
- Enroll
- Attend a job fair and apply on the spot
- Complete a résumé
- Apply for government jobs
- Learn more about VA benefits
- Connect with VA representatives and community partners
- Access resources tailored to women Veterans
- Hear inspiring stories and shared experiences
- Build relationships and strengthen community connections
- Discover programs and services designed to support their journey after service
Women Veterans continue to be among the fastest-growing Veteran populations in the country, and initiatives like this help ensure women Veterans are seen, heard, represented, and supported.
The energy surrounding the summit is already building as outreach teams, community organizations, and women Veterans prepare to come together for two impactful days in San Antonio.
Whether you served four years or twenty, whether you separated recently or decades ago, there is a place for you here.
The mission is simple: enroll and connect women Veterans to the benefits they earned and the community they deserve.
|
|
Meet Your Women's Cancer Screening Coordinators
At Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, we believe that preventive care saves lives. One of the most important ways we protect the health of Women Veterans is through early detection of breast and cervical cancer. Behind that effort is a dedicated team of nurses whose sole focus is ensuring Women Veterans receive timely screenings, appropriate follow-up care, and the support they need every step of the way.
We are proud to introduce our Women's Cancer Screening Coordinators:
Makyla Clark, RN – Breast Care Screening Coordinator
Stephanie Frink, RN – Breast Care Screening Coordinator
Tia Miller, RN – Cervical Care Screening Coordinator
Together, these coordinators serve as advocates, navigators, educators, and care coordinators for Women Veterans throughout Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System.
Breast and cervical cancers remain significant health concerns for women, but when detected early through routine screening, treatment is often more effective and outcomes are significantly improved. Early detection can mean less invasive treatment options, better quality of life, and, most importantly, more lives saved.
What sets VA apart is our commitment to coordinated care.
In many healthcare settings, patients are responsible for remembering when screenings are due, scheduling appointments, tracking results, and arranging follow-up care. Busy schedules, changes in providers, and fragmented healthcare systems can make it easy for preventive screenings to be delayed or overlooked.
At VA, we take a proactive approach.
Our screening coordinators actively monitor screening recommendations, review records, identify Veterans who are due for services, and work closely with primary care teams, Women's Health providers, radiology departments, and specialty clinics to ensure screenings are completed on time. Their goal is simple: to make sure no Woman Veteran falls through the cracks.
This coordinated approach contributes to the VA's strong performance in preventive health measures. Through dedicated outreach and follow-up, VA continues to achieve breast and cervical cancer screening rates that help ensure Women Veterans receive life-saving preventive care. Rather than waiting for patients to discover they are overdue, our coordinators help identify needs early and connect Veterans with the right care at the right time.
For Women Veterans, this means peace of mind.
You do not have to remember every screening guideline or wonder whether you are due for a mammogram or cervical cancer screening. Our coordinators continuously monitor these important preventive health measures and work behind the scenes to help keep you on track.
Their role extends well beyond scheduling appointments. Makyla, Stephanie, and Tia review screening data, coordinate referrals, track follow-up recommendations, monitor abnormal results, communicate with providers, and help Veterans navigate the next steps when additional testing is needed. If a screening identifies a concern, they help ensure timely follow-up so that evaluation and treatment can begin as quickly as possible.
This level of coordination matters. When cancers are identified at earlier stages, treatment options are often more successful and less complex. Timely screenings and prompt follow-up can make a critical difference in outcomes. By helping Women Veterans stay current with recommended screenings, our coordinators play a direct role in protecting health and improving lives.
Every day, Makyla Clark, Stephanie Frink, and Tia Miller work diligently to ensure that Women Veterans receive the preventive care they deserve. Their efforts reflect VA's commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered healthcare that extends beyond the clinic visit.
At Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System, we are honored to serve Women Veterans and remain committed to delivering the highest level of care. Through proactive screening, dedicated care coordination, and personalized follow-up, we are working to ensure that every Woman Veteran receives the preventive services she needs—and that no one is ever left wondering whether an important screening has been missed.
When it comes to breast and cervical cancer screening, you are not alone. Your VA healthcare team is here for you, every step of the way.
|
|
 If your menopause symptoms are getting in the way, we can help
Menopause is a natural part of life, marking the end of menstrual periods and changes in reproductive hormones. While all women go through this transition, research has shown that women Veterans may experience earlier or more symptoms. Just like other transitions you've faced, you don’t have to go through this one alone. VA offers support and care to help you manage these changes with confidence and comfort.
Understanding Menopause Phases
Menopause doesn’t happen overnight. It unfolds gradually in three phases: perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. Each phase brings different changes and knowing what to expect can help you manage symptoms more effectively.
Perimenopause: Perimenopause is the adjustment period before menopause and often begins in your 40s. During this time, your ovarian function begins to decline. You may notice changes in your menstrual cycle, such as periods that are heavier, lighter, longer, or shorter. Hot flashes, mood changes, night sweats, weight gain, thinning hair, and trouble sleeping can also begin during this phase.
Menopause: Menopause occurs when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Most women reach this point in their early 50s, though it can happen earlier or later. Hot flashes, mood changes, and other symptoms may continue. At this point, your body adjusts to lower hormone levels, and you may need extra care to manage symptoms.
Post-Menopause: After menopause, your body continues to change. While some symptoms may ease, your risk increases for health conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and urinary incontinence. Ongoing care can help you stay healthy and manage these long-term changes.
Menopause as a Veteran
As a woman Veteran, you’re more likely to experience earlier or more intense menopause due to a combination of military-related stressors and exposures.
Chronic stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, trauma, and higher rates of depression can disrupt hormones and worsen symptoms. Smoking or increased tobacco use is linked to earlier menopause, while exposure to environmental hazards like burn pits and chemicals may impair ovarian function.
Managing Menopause
No other health care system understands your experience as a Veteran better than VA. We recognize your unique needs and tailor our services to you. You may be eligible for services including:
Medication: Medications, including hormonal and non-hormonal options, can reduce symptoms and restore balance.
Sleep support: VA offers tools and treatments to help you sleep better, which supports your overall well-being.
Whole Health: A variety of additional options for managing symptoms are offered through Whole Health, including acupuncture.
Mental health support: VA offers counseling, medication, and peer support to help with mood changes, stress, or emotional shifts.
Lifestyle counseling: VA helps you build healthy habits around diet/weight, exercise, and stress management through various therapies and medications.
Bone density testing: VA monitors bone density to detect early signs of bone loss and personalize plans to prevent or manage osteoporosis.
Vaginal therapies: VA offers therapies for vaginal and urinary symptoms, including topical medications and pelvic floor physical therapy.
In addition to VA care, you can take steps on your own to ease symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and irritability: Dress in layers; avoid hot beverages; limit alcohol; practice mindfulness; exercise regularly; and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Embrace this New Chapter with VA
Visit the VA Women’s Health Menopause page or download the Women Veterans Menopause brochure to learn more. Call the Women Veterans Call Center (1-855-VA-WOMEN) to speak to a real person who can help you enroll, schedule an appointment, and connect you to care you can trust.
 |
|
Eating well during menopause can ease symptoms and keep your body healthy. VA offers nutrition counseling, healthy cooking classes and more to help you make informed, personalized choices. Visit Nutrition and Food Services 🥗 |
|
|
 For many, the Food Pyramid was our first introduction to thinking about diet, nutrition and making healthy food choices.
The earliest food guides for Americans are over 100 years old, and studying them today shows a fascinating history reflecting on the challenges and concerns of nutrition at the time. These food guides evolved from basic recommendations to address nutritional needs during difficult times, like the Great Depression and or when the wars led to wartime shortages; modern guides simplify healthy eating for an environment currently filled with a plethora of food choices.
- In the 1940s, specific dietary recommendations were established for calories, protein and certain vitamins and minerals.
- The Basic Seven food guide was published in 1943 to help families plan meals with limited access to certain food supplies during World War II.
- In 1956, the Basic Four was released to focus nutrition recommendations on four large food groups: milk, meat, produce, and grains.
- By the 1970s, emphasis shifted from encouraging the public to eat enough nutrients toward limiting overconsumption of fat, sugar and sodium.
- In 1984, the Food Pyramid was first released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Food Pyramid visually represented the recommended daily intake of different food groups.
The Food Pyramid was replaced in 2011 with MyPlate to simplify dietary recommendations and serve as a visual reminder to consumers to choose a variety of foods.
An easy way to think about food patterns
Designers switched from the pyramid to the plate shape to grab consumers’ attention. The MyPlate guide is not intended to provide specific messages or strict directives. Rather, it offers an easy way to think about food patterns on your plate at home or when dining out.
The visual of a plate was tested and found to be a familiar mealtime symbol for many Americans. The use of the word “My” was chosen to continue the idea of personalization that was born with MyPyramid.
For more guidance on how many servings of each food group to eat, as well as serving sizes of common foods, you can access the MyPlate Plan.
There are many resources available for eating a healthier diet. Start Simple with MyPlate and the MOVE! Coach app are both free apps that are available on all smart phone platforms. For healthy recipes and cooking tips, check out the VA Healthy Teaching Kitchen YouTube channel.
Finally, if you’re interested in learning more about MyPlate or another nutrition-related topic, contact your local VA to speak with a registered dietitian.
|
|
 |
|
Marinated Vegetables
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 0 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings | Serving Size: ½ cup
|
Ingredients
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-3 pinches crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 4 cups fresh vegetables, trimmed and cut into ½- to 1-inch pieces (one type or a combination; e.g. tomatoes, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, snap peas, yellow squash, mushrooms, zucchini, baby corn, red onion
Directions
- To a medium mixing bowl or a jar with a lid, add the oil,
vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, basil, onion
powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk together the oil-vinegar mixture in the bowl or place the lid on the jar and shake, mixing until combined to make
a marinade.
- Place the selected vegetables in a large bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the vegetables and toss until evenly
coated.
- Set the vegetables in the refrigerator to marinate, at least
30 minutes and up to overnight.
- Serve cold, or cook as desired and serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- The marinade can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator if desired.
- These marinated veggies are best when prepared at least 2 hours before serving or cooking
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 185 | Total Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 2.5 g Sodium: 165 mg | Total Carbohydrate: 5 g | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Protein: 1 g
 |
|
Summer Vegetable Ratatouille
Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour | Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1½ cups
|
Ingredients
- 3 large tomatoes (or 6 medium Roma tomatoes)
- 1 medium bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1½ cups)
- 1 medium eggplant, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium yellow squash, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 2 cups)
- 1 medium onion, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1½ cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Using a box grater, grate the tomatoes over a medium
mixing bowl. Pour off excess juice, as desired. Set aside.
- Place the bell pepper, eggplant, zucchini, squash, and onion
on a baking sheet. Add 1½ tablespoons of the oil and the
salt. Toss to combine, then spread into a single layer.
- Roast in the oven until well-browned and fork tender, about
20-25 minutes., tossing halfway through the cooking time.
- While the vegetables are roasting, heat a large saucepan or
stockpot over medium heat.
- Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil and heat until
shimmering.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds.
- Add the grated tomatoes, oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Add the roasted vegetables. Continue cooking for 7-10 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the basil.
- Serve warm.
Recipe Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
- Top with a sprinkle of parmesan or feta, if desired.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
Calories: 145 | Total Fat: 7.5 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 225 mg | Total Carbohydrate: 19 g | Dietary Fiber: 7.5 g | Protein: 4 g
|
|
|
Birth control is available at VA, and we want to talk about it. While there is no one "best" method of birth control, there is a best choice for you, and VA can help you decide. VA offers birth control pills, male and female condoms, intrauterine device (IUD) placement, hormonal injections and implants, tubal ligations, same-day emergency contraception, and more. Talk to your VA primary care provider about what options may be best for you.
|
|
 Nationwide, 81% of women in the U.S. report experiencing some form of harassment or assault in their lifetime (compared to 43% of men). A recent women Veteran study found that some women have reported being harassed while on VA grounds, a place where all Veterans deserve respectful and safe care.
These experiences send a negative message to the Veterans VA serves. For women Veterans, harassment in a health care setting can bring up earlier military sexual trauma. This is not acceptable.
What Harassment Looks Like
For women Veterans, harassment can take many forms, including:
Being called inappropriate names like “sweetheart” or “baby”
Enduring catcalling, staring, or leering
Receiving intrusive questions such as, “Are you single?”
Being told, “You don’t look like you belong here.”
Getting unwanted comments about appearance or clothing
Experiencing invasive actions like being touched, followed, or photographed without permission
Being repeatedly referred to as Mister when called for appointments
These behaviors aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also remind the Veteran of past traumatic experiences. Some Veterans may avoid, miss, or delay important health care appointments as a result.
What VA Is Doing and What You Can Do
VA is actively working to eliminate all forms of harassment in its facilities. Here's how:
Zero-tolerance policy: No form of harassment is acceptable. Ever.
Ongoing education: Staff, patients, and visitors are learning to identify and intervene in harassment through public messaging and training.
Support systems: Veterans can report harassment anonymously and receive follow-up support, counseling, and investigation.
If you see or experience harassment at a VA facility, report it. There are several ways you can report harassment, including the following:
VA staff will take you seriously, ensure your safety, and guide you through your options, whether you want to give your name or remain anonymous.
What Happens When You Make a Report
When you report harassment, VA follows a structured, supportive process to ensure your safety, document the incident, and take action. We inspect every report—even if you don’t have all the details. Here’s what you can expect:
- Ensure Your Safety: If you’ve been assaulted or feel unsafe, VA staff will act immediately to protect your physical and emotional well-being. They may contact VA security or local law enforcement if needed.
- Provide Information: VA staff will listen to what happened and may ask for details such as your name or contact info (you can report anonymously), location and date/time of incident, description of what occurred, who was involved (if known), any witnesses, and supporting materials (such as images).
- Conduct an Inquiry: All reports are reviewed within one business day. A fair, thorough inquiry may include speaking with you and any witnesses, reviewing submitted materials, and determining appropriate next steps.
- Take Action: VA will take steps to stop the harassment, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent future incidents. This may involve disciplinary action, training, or other corrective measures.
- Receive Ongoing Support: You’ll receive updates once the inquiry is complete, along with information about counseling and mental health resources. VA staff will remain available to support you throughout the process.
To Women Veterans: VA Has Your Back
Women Veterans belong at VA. We are committed to making sure you feel safe, comfortable, and respected every time you seek care here. If someone makes you feel disrespected or unsafe, it’s not “just a comment” or “no big deal.” It’s harassment, and it’s not acceptable. We will support you and we will take action.
To Everyone Who Enters A VA Facility
Most people don’t intend to harass others, but sometimes they witness it and don’t know what to do. Others may make a comment without thinking twice about how it could make someone else feel. VA encourages everyone—Veterans, staff, family members, and visitors—to learn more about bystander intervention to learn how to safely and effectively intervene when harassment occurs. However, the best thing you can do to help is to report the incident. A single action can stop an incident, support a sister Veteran, and set a new standard of respect.
Let’s continue building a VA culture that respects every Veteran’s service and ensures that no one is ever made to feel like they don’t belong. VA will take every report seriously, act swiftly to ensure safety, investigate thoroughly, and provide follow-up support.
Visit the VA Report Harassment page to learn more or call, text, or chat with the Women Veterans Call Center. To learn more about how VA is building a culture of respect for women Veterans, visit our Women’s Health Culture of Respect page.
|
|
 Suicide is Preventable and Support is Available
Suicide has no single cause and no one approach can end it—but prevention is possible, especially when women Veterans find support before a crisis happens.
Women Veterans may have unique experiences related to military service, health and wellbeing, or trauma that can increase the risk of suicide. Some also face medical and social issues that affect relationships and quality of life. Military service can lead to readjustment issues, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trouble sleeping, or even physical injury. Additionally, reproductive health conditions that women Veterans sometimes face may take a toll on their mental health.
VA is committed to offering a growing range of resources and a network of support for all women Veterans, including those who do not, and may never, seek care within the VA health care system. Whether it's mental health care or treatment for chronic pain or other health concerns, VA can provide personalized, gender-tailored care to help women Veterans. Each VA medical center also has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator to connect women Veterans to counseling and services.
Additionally, creating a safety plan now, by identifying coping strategies and sources of support, can help give suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable in a future crisis. Download the VA Safety Plan app or create one together with your VA health care team.
The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. Veterans, family, and friends can reach out. Dial 988 and press 1, text 828255, or chat online. Visit the VA Women’s Health suicide prevention page for more resources.
Call 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) to speak to a real person and connect to VA women’s health care.
|
|
|
Come to our New Veteran Orientation Held Monthly at Ernest Childers Outpatient Clinic in Tulsa.
Are you new to VA health care? Are you a current VA patient, but want to learn more about what services and benefits VA has to offer and how to obtain them?
Join Us For New Veteran Orientation
When: The 2nd Thursday of every month
Where: Ernest Childers VA Clinic 8921 S. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK 74113 2nd floor, Rooms 2008 - 2010 (across from optometry)
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Open to all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and community partners.
- Meet representatives from various departments within the VA
- Learn about the processes for getting things done at the VA
- Learn about and sign up for My HealtheVet
- Question and answer session
|
|
 Check out our back-issues for more Women Veterans resources and popular topics.
|
|
|
|
|
