Are you a female Service Member preparing for deployment? Are you currently on a mission? Or are you getting ready to return from deployment? The Deployment Readiness Education for Service Women (DRES) handbook and app were created to help you navigate your environment and optimize your performance!
In 2018, the Bureau of Medicine (BUMED) Office of Women’s Health conducted a “Patient Experience Initiative.” The Office interviewed 297 active-duty female Sailors and Marines (both enlisted and officers) at 14 duty locations to better understand their healthcare needs, challenges, and duty requirements. In 2019 and 2020, follow-up assessments were conducted to further evaluate the health needs and challenges of active- duty Navy Servicewomen with a focus on the perspectives of line leadership and operational healthcare providers. The results from the initiative showcased a common theme. Servicewomen wanted better access to relevant healthcare information to better prepare for their operational environments.
The collected data were used to inform the Bureau of Medicines and Surgery’s first Female Force Readiness Strategy, which was approved by the Navy Surgeon General in February 2020. As a result, the Navy’s Female Force Readiness Clinical Community and the BUMED Office of Women’s Health partnered to create the Deployment Readiness Education for Service Women Handbook. The handbook was shared with the Defense Health Agency (DHA)’s Women and Infant Clinical Community and a tri-service group of women’s healthcare experts and stakeholders. It was then adopted as a resource for all services and transformed into a progressive web application.
- Common women’s health conditions
- Preventative healthcare screenings based on age
- Health considerations for deployment
- Deployment and packing checklists
- Contraception information
- Menstrual management education
- Mental-health resources
- Navigating TRICARE
- Fitness and nutrition information
- References to service policies regarding sexual assault, social media, pregnancy, parenthood, and more
The goal of the DRES app is to provide easily accessible military-wellness references for Servicewomen to help them navigate healthcare challenges and unique environments. The web app—which you can download at the link above—benefits all genders and non-binary individuals. It’s a result of the contributions of all military services, military women’s healthcare providers, and other Service Members.
If you have questions about app development, email CAPT Shannon Lamb at Shannon.v.lamb.mil@mail.mil. For recommendations on app revisions and content, email dha.ncr.j-3.mbx.wicc@mail.mil.
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