DHSS Press Release |
Date: February 27, 2008 DHSS-20-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
OFFICE OF WOMEN'S HEALTH (OWH) ANNOUNCES E-NEWSLETTER
The Delaware Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Women's Health (OWH) is proud to announce the launch of it's first e-newsletter, linking readers to important health information and reliable sources that promote women's health.
With a mailing list of over 300 individuals and organizations for its first issue, the e-newsletter confirms the well-received support of OWH and its mission of promoting optimal health and well-being among all women and girls in Delaware, across the lifespan.
Women's health issues and treatment disparities have only recently become a source of scrutiny, despite long-standing concerns. When the OWH was initially established in 2001, its primary activity was supporting the annual Women's Wellness Expo in Dover, an event which offers information on healthy living and numerous health screening services to women in Delaware. However, by 2007, the need for attention to women's health issues and the consideration of biological, psychological, environmental and social factors to women's health prompted the OWH to assume more action.
Jacqueline Christman, MD, appointed as OWH Director, began forming a partnership committee of representatives from health care, private individuals, and state and community agencies. On December 18th the group held its first partnership meeting to formulate plans and direction, reviewing a health analysis of Delaware's women. The analysis found that:
- Of 439, 916 women in Delaware, 65,902 women are over age 65 and nearly 40 percent of them have some form of disability.
- More than 10 percent of women ages 18-24 do not have health insurance.
- The leading causes of death among Delaware women are (in order of frequency): heart disease, malignant invasive tumors, cerebrovascular diseases (stroke), lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's and accidents.
This knowledge enables the OWH to work to facilitate, integrate, coordinate and advocate for programs, services and initiatives that will address these issues and more. The OWH Newsletter will connect women and their providers with news, findings, events and more.
To be added to the Office of Women's Health e-newsletter mailing list, or for questions, please call (302) 744-4702 or e-mail Owh@state.de.us
Look for future OWH newsletters on the Delaware Division of Public Health website at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/index.html
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
