A Needs Assessment of Colorado Women Veterans

Date of Conferral

11-8-2023

Degree

Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Lori Salgado

Abstract

The Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Division of Veterans Affairs (DVA) cannot comprehensively identify Colorado women veterans’ social and benefit needs. As a result, the department cannot help women veterans meet those needs and improve the quality of life for them and their families. The three research questions in this qualitative needs assessment study explored the unmet needs of Colorado’s women veterans, their challenges to meeting those needs, and ways to mitigate them. The study identified the unmet needs, related barriers, and ways to mitigate those barriers so DVA can take steps to help women veterans meet those needs. The study used a needs assessment model and the social determinants of health as the framework for conducting the needs assessment. A purposive convenience sample of 10 subject matter experts representing organizations that support Colorado’s women veterans were invited to participate in the study and were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. Thirteen findings were organized into four themes: financial, transition, healthcare, and male aversion. The 13 findings and 14 recommendations provided the information needed for DVA to make positive social change using the information from this study to improve their services, and the quality of life for Colorado women veterans. The study may also be helpful to other public and non-profit organizations that desire to help women veterans meet their needs.

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