LGBTQ+ Veteran Care
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VHA) is committed to providing quality care to all Veterans inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) Veterans. Excellent care has no boundaries.
LGBTQ+
LGBT refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities. The ‘Q’ refers to queer identities, as well as those who are questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. The + sign is meant to be inclusive of sexual orientations and gender identities beyond LGBT, including pansexual, asexual, agender, gender non-conforming, gender diverse, nonbinary, gender neutral and other identities.
The Birmingham VA Health Care System seeks to promote the health, welfare, and dignity of LGBTQ+ Veterans and their families. We are committed to making sensitive and high-quality health care accessible. Our employees are prepared to provide personalized, patient-centered care in a safe, affirming, and welcoming environment.
Celebrating Pride & National Recognition:
A Message from the Executive Director
I am thrilled to share the exciting progress and recognition our PRIDE In All Who Served Program has received, thanks to your unwavering dedication to LGBTQ+ care at the Birmingham VA Health Care System.
VA’s journey with PRIDE began at the Hampton VA in January 2016, rooted in human-centered design principles and driven by feedback from LGBTQ+ Veterans. With support from the VHA Innovators Network, PRIDE received Seed and Spread investments in FY18 and FY19 to assess its replicability across VHA facilities nationwide. Early findings were overwhelmingly positive, demonstrating significant reductions in self-reported depression, anxiety, internalized stigma, and suicidal ideation. Veterans also reported increased identity acceptance and improved perceptions of VA providers and services (Lange et al., 2020). Notably, there has been a reported reduction in the likelihood of future suicidal behavior, leading to PRIDE being funded by the Suicide Prevention Program from FY24-26.
One of the most exciting developments is PRIDE's designation as a “National Practice” by the VHA Diffusion of Excellence (DoE). I am proud to say Birmingham has earned the prestigious designation of PRIDE CHAMPION for offering at least two cycles of the program. This is the highest recognition for implementation success and is acknowledged nationally within the DoE. Additionally, the Birmingham VA has been awarded the PRIDE ACCELERATOR badge for exceptional program building and systemic efforts.
It is great to have our health care system showcased on a national level, our LGBTQ+ program’s contributions are a testament to our commitment to providing outstanding care for our LGBTQ+ Veterans.
LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) Program
Every VA facility has a local LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (VCC) who can connect you with services and help you navigate specialized resources.
Cathy Prellwitz
Clinical Social Worker
VA Birmingham health care
Phone:
Email: Cathy.Prellwitz@va.gov
Click here for more information on VA LGBTQ+ Health Care
Health Information
To learn important information about the unique health risks of LGBTQ+ Veterans, download these relevant fact sheets. Here you can also find information about relevant services offered by VA.
Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Men Health Care Fact Sheet
Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer Women Health Care Fact Sheet
Transgender Women and Gender Diverse Veteran Health Care Fact Sheet
Transgender Men and Gender Diverse Veteran Health Care Fact Sheet