State's first women-only veterans clinic opens

Posted 5/13/2009 10:50 AM ET CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) — A new veterans clinic for women only is opening in Nashville and officials say it is one of the most comprehensive Veterans Affairs women's care clinics in the country. MaryAnn Woodward-Smith, who oversees women's care for the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, said the clinic opening Wednesday is a sign that the VA is expanding services to women, who have been underserved in the male-dominated military. The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported the clinic on Charlotte Avenue is separate from the main VA hospital campus and is staffed entirely by women. Retired Marine Stacey Hopwood of Clarksville said progress is not just about access to health care, but also getting the VA to recognize that women are veterans, too. ___ Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.