The purpose of the Women's Health Program is to improve the health status of Ohio women. The main objectives are to: identify issues that affect women's health; develop and implement programs to address the identified issues; serve as a source of information regarding women's health; and act as an advocate for women's health concerns within state government and throughout the state. These objectives are achieved through projects of the Women's Health program which include Women's Health Week (WHW), newsletters and an e-mail discussion group.

Women's Health Week (WHW):

May 9 - May 15, 2010, will mark Ohio's third WHW celebration.  In 2008, WHW replaced Women's Health Month which Ohio recognized for the past 22 years.  This change allowed Ohio to join in national efforts to encourage good health in women.

National WHW empowers women across the country to get healthy by taking action. The nationwide initiative, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health, encourages women to make their health a top priority and take simple steps for longer, healthier and happier lives. During the week, families, communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups work together to educate women about steps they can take to improve their physical and mental health and prevent disease, such as:

• Engaging in physical activity most days of the week
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Visiting a health care provider to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt

In order to conduct programs during this week, the Ohio Department of Health partners with Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) based at medical colleges in Ohio as a means to implement the WHW activities in their respective regions. Through contracts with the AHECs, community organizations and agencies throughout the state are funded at amounts ranging from $500 to $1,500 to plan and conduct conferences, workshops and health fairs focused on women's health issues.  

Our Publications:

Newsletters

Summer 2009 Newsletter Available: Women and Chronic Diseases. 

Publications

Listserv:

The Ohio Women's Health e-mail list provides a forum for discussion about a wide range of issues related to women's health. These may include but are not limited to research information, services available, Web sites, ethical issues, current events, job postings, announcements of upcoming events and providing support for those working in the field of women's health. If you are interested in joining, submit your e-mail address to OhioWomensHealth-owner@yahoogroups.com. There is no cost to join or use the list.

Last Updated: September 2009

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