VA launches Equity Action Plan in commitment to serving all Veterans

VA recently unveiled the Equity Action Plan to mark its commitment and promise to support all Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors―regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, sexual orientation or geographic location, as we continue to provide world-class care and benefits.

In coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration's whole-of-government equity agenda, VA maintains its mission to advance equity for all by focusing on the five strategies of benefits, health, access, economic security and data. These strategies are aligned with the VA FY 2022-2028 strategic plan and seek to address systemic barriers experienced by Veterans at various access points.

The Equity Action Plan launch event was hosted in collaboration with the team at the South Texas VA Health Care System. The team invited Veterans, congressional, state and local officials, community partners, Veteran Service Officers and VA staff to join a series of events centered around VA's continued path toward equity. The events included a round table discussion, VA Equity Action Plan and VBA Equity Assurance Plan overview, and a One VA experience supporting VA enrollment and benefits. The VA Equity Action Plan and VBA Equity Assurance Plan were introduced by VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher and Under Secretary for Benefits Joshua Jacobs. The overview featured Navy Veteran speaker Stephanie Gattas, CEO and founder of The Pink Berets, who spoke about her equity experiences at VA.

"If it wasn't for VA, I don't know that I would be standing here today," said Gattas.

If you missed the live webinar, you can watch it now for free on VA's YouTube channel. No login is required.

As this work continues, updates will be posted on VA.gov/Equity. Learn more about the Administration's equity work at whitehouse.gov/equity and check out all Federal Equity Action Plans at performance.gov/equity.