Health & Wellness Resources
Modern Military is dedicated to the holistic well-being of our LGBTQ+ military and veteran community and their families. Health is a multifaceted journey, encompassing physical, mental, and social dimensions. We understand the unique challenges faced by the community we serve and are here to provide comprehensive support. Explore our collection of resources designed to enhance every aspect of your health:
Mental health involves cognitive and emotional well-being. It includes how individuals think, feel, and cope with stress, emotions, and challenges. Mental health covers aspects like emotional stability, psychological resilience, and the presence or absence of mental disorders.
- Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group Resources near DAF installations
- The National LGBTQ+ Task Force: Provides a resource directory for LGBTQ+ individuals, including veterans seeking mental health services.
- Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN): (800) 656-HOPE / (800) 810-7440 (TTY)
- RUSH Road Home Program: Offers no-cost (regardless of discharge status) accelerated treatment, evidence-based psychotherapy, and holistic care for service members and veterans experiencing mental health concerns.
- The Trevor Project: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth ages 13-24. (866) 488-7386
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Suicide Prevention Resources
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Veteran Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 3 for LGBTQ+ specific care or text 838255
Regional Resources
Washington D.C.
- D.C. Department of Behavioral Health: Mental health resources and services, including a 24-hour crisis hotline for residents: 1(888)7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357.
- Whitman-Walker Health: Comprehensive mental health services include counseling and support for LGBTQ+ individuals and veterans.
Maryland
- Chase Brexton Health Care: Provides mental health services and support for LGBTQ+ individuals, including veterans.
- Maryland Department of Health: Offers mental health resources through the Behavioral Health Administration, including veterans’ services.
Virginia
- Virginia Department of Veterans Services: Provides mental health services and resources for veterans, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.
- Health Brigade (formerly known as Fan Free Clinic) in Richmond: Provides free mental health counseling and support services, including for LGBTQ+ veterans.
- LGBTQ+ Center at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond: Provides counseling and support services for LGBTQ+ individuals, including veterans.
Washington State
- Forward Operating Base (FOB) HOPE: Provides veterans’ mental health resources
Support groups provide emotional and moral support, allowing individuals to share personal experiences and feelings and coping strategies.
Physical health encompasses the overall condition of the body, including the absence of disease, fitness levels, and the ability to perform daily tasks. Key factors include exercise, nutrition, sleep, and medical care.
- Department of the Air Force
- Barrier Analysis Working Group Resources near DAF installations
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program: Is committed to creating a welcoming environment and improving healthcare for everyone, including LGBTQ+ veterans.
- Primary Care Services: Gives eligible veterans easy access to health care professionals familiar with their needs.
Regional Resources
California
- CalVet Healthcare Resources: Provides healthcare services to California veterans and their families
Washington D.C.
- ServingTogether: Works in collaboration with partners to streamline efforts connecting veterans, active duty, guard, reserve, caregivers, and military spouses with a coordinated network of care for all of life’s needs.
Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that may accompany the incongruence between one’s gender identity and sex assigned at birth. The diagnosis of gender dysphoria does not refer to distress related to stigma, and not all individuals experience distress from incongruence.
Gender-affirming health care services are available throughout the Defense Health Agency at military hospitals and clinics. Each military hospital and clinic has a Transgender Care Liaison who can assist in connecting to local resources.
- Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group Resources near DAF installations
- Military Health System and Defense Health Agency: Policy, education resources, training, and treatment guidelines for transgender and gender diverse service members
- Navy Medicine: Transgender care resource for primary care providers
Many community health centers provide free testing for HIV and STIs. Check your local health center for specific services. It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm the availability of free testing services, as they may vary by location and require appointments.
- AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Directory: Covers medication costs for people living with HIV or AIDS.
- AIDS Education and Training Center Program (AETCP): HIV medication assistance programs.
- Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group Resources near DAF installations
- HIV.gov Resources: Provides a location finder for PrEP, testing, and other services.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) HIV Info: A comprehensive HIV/AIDS information service that provides access to high quality, accurate, and timely information for patients and their caregivers, health care professionals, educators, as well as community-based organizations.
- Navy Medicine: HIV prevention resources and reproductive/sexual health services.
- Tricare: HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment facts.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health: HIV/AIDS and PrEP resources.
- U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program: Provides policy information, resources, and links to services.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs HIV Resources: Provides information about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection.
Regional Resources
Washington D.C.
- Whitman-Walker Health: Offers free and low-cost HIV testing and STI screening.
- DC Health: Provides free HIV testing, treatment resources, and education on STIs.
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation: Offers free HIV testing and STI screenings at their wellness centers.
Maryland
- Maryland Department of Health: Provides free HIV testing and STI screenings through various local health departments.
- Jesse L. Jackson Community Health Center: Offers free and low-cost STI testing and treatment.
- Chase Brexton Health Care: Provides free and confidential HIV testing and STI screenings.
Virginia
- Virginia Department of Health: Provides free and confidential HIV testing and STI screenings through local health departments.
- Health Brigade in Richmond: Provides free and confidential STI testing and HIV services.
- PLS (People Living & Sharing): Provides free HIV testing and educational resources on STIs.
Condom distribution is a cost-effective structural intervention that provides communities with resources needed to prevent HIV and STI transmission.
- CDC’s Condom Distribution Program: Provides links to national condom resources.
Regional Resources
Washington D.C.
- DC Health and Wellness Center: Offers free condoms and lubricant, available for pick-up or home delivery. Contact: (202) 741-7692.
- HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness: Offers free condoms, lube, PrEP/PEP services, and rapid HIV and syphilis testing. Pick-up or free mail order is available.
Virginia:
- Arlington County Public Health: Offers free condoms, pregnancy and STI testing, and other sexual health services at the Teen Health Clinic.
- LGBT Life Center: Offers free, brand-name condoms and lube at their office locations or via mail order in the Southeast Virginia region.
- Virginia Department of Health (VDH): Offers a Condom Distribution Program, providing free condoms through health districts and community partners.
Maryland:
- Baltimore City Health Department: Provides a free monthly subscription of condoms and HIV/STI prevention information to Baltimore City residents.
- Heart to Hand: Offers free condom kits and “Sneaky Link Sex Kits,” which include condoms, lube, and dental dams, at their office in Largo, Maryland.
- Montgomery County Sexual Health and Wellness: Offers free condoms and other safer sex supplies to those who get tested for HIV/STIs.
- URecFit and Wellness: Provides free safer sex supplies, including condoms, lubricant, and dental dams, at various campus locations (Pratt Gym Desk, Wellness Suite, locker rooms).
- University of Maryland Health Center: Offers free condoms at the Health Promotion & Wellness Services resource table on the ground floor.
