Female veterans to receive free gynecological care from Board-certified Ob-Gyn

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Board-certified Ob-Gyn, author and TV medical correspondent, announced today that she will be providing free gynecological care to female veterans. Last week, a report by independent news organization, Mother Jones, shed light on how the U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is not prepared to deal with the medical concerns of female veterans, which has experienced a recent influx. According to the report, from 2000 to 2009, the number of female veterans in the VA healthcare system increased by 83%, while only 2% of VA health facilities provided mammography services in 2011. One in five female veterans delayed or went without care in 2013 and 2014.

"I read the Mother Jones piece and was outraged by the fact that so many of our female veterans do not have access to basic healthcare services. The fact that one-third of VA Medical Centers do not have a gynecologist on staff is appalling. I know that my actions are not a cure to this problem, but I wanted to take some action and I wanted to do something now. Taking care of our female veterans is a cause I am believe in, not only as a woman and an Ob-Gyn, but as the daughter of a former Captain in the U. S. Air Force. I was born on George Air Force Base in San Bernadino, CA and that has always imbued me with a respect for our men and women in the Armed Forces," stated Dr. Ashton. "On a larger scale, I think this highlights a crucial conversation that we need to be having around women's –veterans and non-veterans – health and how to get women the best care possible."

For veterans wishing to make an appointment, please call Dr. Ashton's practice, Hygeia Gynecology at (201) 399-2812 and provide your Veteran Identification number. Hygeia Gynecology is located in Englewood, New Jersey and is the first eco-friendly medical practice in Bergen County. It is officially GreenOffice Certified and ninety-nine percent of the office's contents are green and non-toxic, including energy-efficient light-bulbs, low-VOC paint, sustainable furniture and organic cotton fabrics.

"I built my office to reflect my personal philosophy around women's health – women should be physically and mentally comforted when they are seeing their gynecologist, and be in an environment that reflects overall well-being. I look forward to welcoming female veterans to Hygeia Gynecology," commented Dr. Ashton.