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Did you know that June is LGBTQ+ Health Month? There are so many resources and services that are specialized and available to our LGBTQ+ Veterans. The LGBTQ+ Health Program is pleased to

announce an update on visibility of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) related data fields in the medical record! * WHAT IS SOGI? The personal sense of one's own gender as

belonging to the male (i.e., boy/man) or female (i.e., girl/woman) gender category or some other gender category (e.g., neither male nor female). Options are male, female, trans-identifying,

non-binary, other or does not wish to disclose. * HOW IS SELF-IDENTIFIED GENDER IDENTITY USED? Self-Identified Gender Identity helps VA staff and providers know a Veteran’s identity  and

use respectful terms when delivering personalized care. * HOW CAN VETERANS ENTER SOGI? The new Self-Identified Gender Identity field will be blank until Veterans provide the information,

either via the 1010EZ form or at their local VA facility by checking with clerical staff in a clinic or eligibility office. * HOW TO CHANGE NAME OR SEX IN RECORDS? Your name in your medical

record will reflect your legal name. The sex in your medical record should reflect your self-identified gender. You have the right to request that your name and sex are updated as

appropriate. There are established procedures for changing your name and sex with the VA Privacy Officer located in room B-5092 (x11699). * WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? To learn more about SOGI

fields in the electronic health records, see Birth Sex and Gender Identity Fact Sheet for Veterans 2022.pdf ------------------------- VA Madison health care employees receive training in

clinical care that is responsive to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ Veterans. Our trained LGBTQ+ Veteran care coordinators are fully equipped to support the health, welfare, and dignity of you

and your family and can help connect you with specialized healthcare services, such as: * Mental health services, including psychosocial assessments for hormone therapy and gender confirming

surgeries * Creative arts therapies * Hormone therapy * Gender-affirming prosthetics Click below to connect with our care coordinator: LGBTQ+ Veteran Care | VA Madison Health Care |

Veterans Affairs Learn about mental health services available to you, including access to services and benefits, policies that protect your rights as an LGBTQ+ Veteran, and how to take the

next step in getting connected to care LGBTQ+ Veterans - Mental Health (va.gov). For more information about the Madison VA Hospital, visit www.madison.va.gov or

www.facebook.com/MadisonVAHospital and subscribe to our newsletters.