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Dana Brunson, a veteran social worker at VA with nearly two decades of experience, has found a new calling in her role as LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) since 2016. Brunson’s dedication and passion shine through as she spearheads the LGBTQ+ VCC Program, striving to improve health care services for LGBTQ+ Veterans.
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Brunson’s dynamic leadership supports more than 200 LGBTQ+ VCCs at various VA medical facilities countrywide. She describes these LGBTQ+ VCCs as champions, advocates, and mentors dedicated to offering equitable and affirming health care to LGBTQ+ Veterans within the VA.
The coordinators work relentlessly to highlight the significance of considering sexual orientation and gender identity in determining health outcomes for all Veterans. They serve as VA’s ambassadors to the LGBTQ+ Veteran community, ensuring these Veterans choose VA for achieving optimal health.
Veterans often reach out to the program, seeking insights into health care services catered towards LGBTQ+ Veterans, and the channels to access these resources. These Veterans have identified gaps and shortcomings in care at their local facilities and require assistance in circumnavigating solutions. They also rely on VCCs when encountering negative, discriminatory, or harassing interactions at a VA facility.
“I am inspired by the devotion, resilience and progress made by LGBTQ+ VCCs in this challenging work. We all have a part in creating a culture that prioritizes the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ Veterans and employees. Every LGBTQ+ Veteran’s experience is unique. VA is working to ensure that all Veterans consistently feel welcome and affirmed at VA,” Brunson added.
Some of the ways VA works to improve the experiences of LGBTQ+ Veterans are:
- Ensuring there is at least one LGBTQ+ VCC at every VA medical facility
- Producing LGBTQ+ health awareness materials
- Prominently displaying LGBTQ+ signage that promotes a welcoming environment and explains why sexual orientation and gender identity matters in health care
- Educating staff on respectful communication and best practices in assessment and care for LGBTQ+ Veterans
Creating Health Equity for All
Brunson believes that the VA is inching towards a culture shift that LGBTQ+ Veterans have started to experience, but the journey is still ongoing. She emphasizes the role of LGBTQ+ VCCs in fostering an inclusive and affirming environment and reducing existing healthcare stigma.
By being attentive to the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans, VA providers can offer better routine and preventative care. Intentional efforts towards crafting an affirming environment where LGBTQ+ Veterans feel welcome and safe amplify their overall experience at VA facilities.
White Ribbon VA Can Make a Significant Difference
The White Ribbon VA movement holds a significant place for Brunson and the LGBTQ+ Health Program, as it urges every VA employee to actively combat and never excuse or ignore harassment or violence related to sexual identity.
LGBTQ+ Veterans and VA employees can refer to the LGBTQ+ VCC directory on VA’s national LGBTQ+ Health website or email the LGBTQ+ Health Program at vhalgbtq+health@va.gov to request contact details for their local LGBTQ+ VCC.
For more information about how you can prevent instances of harassment at VA, or for access to additional resources, visit VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office Home (va.gov).
Source: Dept. of Veteran Affairs
