JUNE 2010 EDITION

Obstacles to good health care still exist for many women in our community. Read on to learn how your YWCA is reaching those in need who lack access to health care, as well as those whose health often takes a backseat to their family’s needs.

In May, the YWCA continued its special focus on women’s health by celebrating National Women’s Health Week and National Senior Health & Fitness Day. As a longtime host for workshops, health fairs and screenings, staff at the YWCA has heard from many women about the barriers to health care and achieving a healthy lifestyle.

Whether it’s our busy schedules filled with work, family and community obligations, limited financial resources, or a lack of information, the challenge for many women is to make taking care of our health a priority.

For some women, the barriers to good health go far beyond managing a busy schedule. In recent years, a substantial body of research indicates that race and ethnicity continue to impact the U.S. health care system. Significant inequalities in health status, health insurance coverage, health care access and quality continue to plague African-American, Latinas and Native American women.

In fact, women of color have nearly double the cardiovascular, diabetes and infant mortality rates. Combine this with higher cancer mortality rates and a devastating 1,000 percent greater number of HIV/AIDS cases, results show that women of color have less access to care than any other group. (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, www.kff.org/womensdisparities)

There is increasing evidence that the underlying racial and ethnic inequities in health care extend beyond logistic and economic factors. In a large-scale analysis of racial and ethnic disparities, the Institute of Medicine concluded, “…evidence suggests that bias, prejudice, and stereotyping on the part of healthcare providers may contribute to the differences in care.”

Findings point to a bigger issue than simply a troubling societal trend. Congresswoman Donna M. Christensen recently declared, “Health disparities are the civil rights issue of the 21st century.” As a board certified physician since 1977, Delegate Christensen is chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Health Braintrust, which oversees and advocates minority health issues nationally.

We bring this issue to your attention because of its importance to the YWCA mission. Since its inception, the YWCA has played a pivotal role in improving women’s health and access to care. Know that your YWCA of the Greater Triangle partners with health advocates and providers throughout the region to improve women’s health. YWCA Health programs address these disparities through education, prevention, screenings and early detection programs.

Last year, more than 12,000 uninsured, under-insured and medically at-risk women received health and wellness services through the YWCA. Our partnerships with health care providers have been critical to this success.

You, too, can get involved to help the YWCA address public policy and environmental factors that contribute to these health disparities. We always welcome volunteer advocates willing to promote policy changes that expand health care coverage, support healthy and safe neighborhoods, and increase access to healthy food options in low-resource communities.

Contact YWCA Health staffers to learn more about how our programs help decrease health disparities and make life-changing differences for area women.