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by The Network for LGBT Health Equity Reposted at http://www.keystothecloset.blogspot.com,
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Sherrill Wayland, MSW, SAGE: Services & Advocacy for LGBT Elders, Metro St. Louis
In 2012, the VA St. Louis Health Care System held the first ever
St. Louis Veterans PRIDE Celebration. A standing room only crowd of Veterans
and employees packed the room to hear a panel discussion, in which SAGE Metro
St. Louis participated. At this meeting, SAGE extended a welcome to the
employees to have a representative join the Missouri LGBT Health Roundtable, as
a part of the Missouri LGBT Health Access Project. In turn, SAGE was asked to
join the VA St. Louis Health Care Systems, LGBT Advisory Council as an ad hoc
committee member.
Over the years, SAGE has received calls from LGBT Veterans,
fearful that they would not receive care from the VA if their LGBT status was
known during the time when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was in force. We also field
calls from LGBT Veterans who feel they have been treated in a discriminatory or
unwelcoming fashion. Today, we have a direct linkage to the VA St. Louis Health
Care System that allows us to assist LGBT Veterans with gaining welcoming care
in an environment that truly honors ALL Veterans.
Over the past year, the work at the VA St. Louis has grown to
include a robust offering of LGBT Health Cultural Competency Trainings provided
by VA St. Louis employees and SAGE. We are currently in the process of
developing a schedule of trainings for SAGE to present on a monthly basis.
With the commitment and dedication of the St. Louis VA staff,
LGBT Veterans health care and access is a priority. SAGE Metro St. Louis will
honor the St. Louis Veterans Administration on June 1, 2013 with the first
annual “SAGE Community Cares” Award for excellence in service to the LGBT
community.
The groundwork established in partnership with the VA is
invaluable as we begin moving forward with sustainable policy change
initiatives that will positively impact our LGBT Veterans. Like many we
understand the value in building partnerships to advance our movements, and
while addressing the LGBT Veterans is mandated by the federal government,
having a strategic partnership established will serve as
a cornerstone in advancing LGBT health inclusion efforts at both VA
hospitals in St. Louis.
“Our
LBGT program includes comprehensive care and ongoing education of staff and
health care providers about the unique healthcare concerns of our LGBT Veteran
community. We believe all staff who are knowledgeable about the health care
concerns of our LGBT Veterans are better able to serve our diverse Veteran
population. As the Deputy Director of the VA St. Louis Health Care System,
I am extremely proud of the commitment our providers have shown to our
diverse (Veteran) patient and employee population.”
- Marc Magill, Deputy Director
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