DeLauro Statement on New Women’s Health Center at the VA’s West Haven Campus

NEW HAVEN, CT (January 22, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement to celebrate the opening of the new women’s health center at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ West Haven Campus.

“Women are the fastest growing group in the veteran population, currently making up 10 percent of the total number of U.S. veterans, a percentage that is projected to grow significantly over the next thirty years. They bring their own set of unique health needs to the table, based on sex, personal experience, and age. And while the VA has continued to make progress on treatment for victims of sexual assault, we need to do more for these individuals. The female veteran population in Connecticut is over 16,000 strong, but only 4,550 women received care through the Connecticut VA in 2015. Over 4,000 of these veterans – the vast majority of women who received care – did so at the West Haven VA.

“Our veterans have risked everything for the safety and security of our country. The least we can do to thank them is to help them get the best health care our nation offers. With this $1.19 million dollar investment, this facility can serve more patients and enhance existing services. I hope that women who are not currently enrolled for care with the VA will take advantage of the benefits they have earned through their service, including this wonderful facility. Thank you to the veterans for their service to our country; and thank you to the medical professionals who provide our veterans with care each day.”

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