New York veterans agency to host virtual women’s health chat Oct. 20

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will hold a virtual “Her Service, Her Health” program on Oct. 20 for women veterans, service members and families. The session will cover topics from menstruation to menopause, plus benefits, caregiving and mental wellness, as officials try to connect women with resources earlier and more clearly.

Why it matters: - Women veterans often face health needs that are under-discussed and harder to navigate. - The virtual program is designed to connect women veterans, service members and families with practical information and support across multiple life stages. - Organizers say the session is meant to help participants find care, understand benefits and take informed next steps.

What happened: - The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services will host “Her Service, Her Health: From Menstruation to Menopause” on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. - The event will be a virtual Chat & Chew conversation. - The program will bring together a Woman Veteran, a women’s health expert, a community advocate and a resource navigator. - Registration is available through the event link.

The details: - Topics will include menstrual and reproductive health. - The discussion will cover period poverty and barriers to accessing menstrual products. - The session will address perimenopause and menopause. - Participants will also hear about health care, benefits and financial support. - Caregiver support and mental wellness are on the agenda. - The program is aimed at Women Veterans, Service Members and their families. - The Department of Veterans’ Services says the conversation is intended to empower participants to navigate health concerns and available resources. - DVS Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said women veterans deserve care, understanding and support throughout their lives. - Dr. Lessie Branch, DVS Special Assistant for Community Engagement, will moderate the discussion. - Branch is an award-winning author, scholar, advocate and U.S. Navy Veteran.

Between the lines: - The timing reflects a broader push to address health issues that can affect women for years before, during and after menopause. - The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that nearly half of women veterans served by the Veterans Health Administration are ages 45-64, the age range most likely to experience menopause. - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health says perimenopause typically lasts about two to eight years. - The focus on resource navigation suggests the gap is not only access to care, but also knowing where to find help and what questions to ask.

What's next: - Women veterans, service members, family members and supporters are being encouraged to register and share the invitation. - DVS says participants should leave the session better informed, more confident advocating for their health and more connected to support. - The agency continues to direct veterans and military families to its benefits advisors by phone at 888-838-7697 and through veterans.ny.gov.

The bottom line: - New York’s veterans agency is using a live virtual forum to make women’s health resources easier to understand, easier to find and easier to use.