National Women’s Health Week: Empowering Women and Cultivating Health

For many women, the demands of work, family, and a busy life often leave them with little time to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

That’s why in 1999, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health inaugurated National Women's Health Week (NWHW). 

According to Dr. Cherrie Morris, Chief Physician Executive and Vice President of Lee Health Women’s Services and Specialties, NWHW serves as an important reminder for women to prioritize their well-being and embrace a proactive approach to their health. 

“The observance highlights the unique health challenges women face and encourages them to take charge toward improving their physical, mental, and emotional health,” Dr. Morris says. “From reproductive health and heart disease to mental health and beyond, National Women’s Health Week focuses on the importance of preventive care, early detection, and making informed health choices by partnering with their health care team.”

What challenges do women face in healthcare?

Women face specific health challenges that are different from men, including issues related to reproductive health, pregnancy, and menopause, Dr. Morris notes. Also, women have a higher susceptibility to certain diseases, like autoimmune disorders. 

“These gender specific conditions can lead to delays in diagnosis, symptoms being dismissed or undertreated, and situations being misunderstood,” she says. “For example, women's physical health symptoms are sometimes incorrectly diagnosed as stemming from mental health issues when they are actually symptomatic of an underlying chronic condition.”

Women face various stigmas in healthcare, including weight-related biases that can negatively impact communication with providers, potentially leading to overlooked concerns or inadequate preventive screenings. Additionally, women—particularly women of color—face healthcare disparities that can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatments, and poorer health outcomes. 

How can women empower themselves in their healthcare journey?

Education is a key component of empowerment. Dr. Morris emphasizes finding trusted sources of information rather than relying on potentially inaccurate internet searches. 

She recommends government websites like the National Institutes of Health, Medicare and Medicaid Services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as professional organizations like The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which provide the latest clinical guidance in women's health, patient education materials, and more.

“Access to reliable, research-backed information empowers women to make informed healthcare decisions based on peer-reviewed, evidence-based science,” she explains. “Credible healthcare resources help ensure women have access to accurate and supportive guidance beyond general internet searches. This way, women can prepare for their medical visits by educating themselves beforehand and bringing questions. Being knowledgeable about health topics can enable them to advocate for themselves more effectively.”

What is Lee Health doing to address these issues?

Dr. Morris says Lee Health is currently positioning itself as an educational resource platform specifically for women's health issues.  The goal, she says, is to “provide reliable information on topics like cardiac health, endometriosis, pelvic pain, polycystic ovary syndrome, infertility, mental health, and postpartum depression.”

Lee Health is also working to improve access to affordable healthcare services, including preventive screenings and mental health services. Dr. Morris acknowledges that women use more outpatient services than men, but often have less time for appointments. As such, she intends to make healthcare more convenient through expanded telemedicine services and virtual visit capabilities, easier appointment scheduling, and ensuring affordability for all women regardless of economic status.

Streamlining patient access, particularly through digital tools like MyChart, can significantly enhance convenience as well, Dr. Morris notes.

Finally, the nurses with Lee Health Women’s Services partner with local organizations to provide women in underserved communities with essential healthcare services and resources.  

“As an example,” she says, “our prenatal clinics in these areas are staffed by certified nurse-midwives so that all pregnant women and their babies receive the care they deserve.” 

What role do community partnerships play?

Community partnerships are essential for providing comprehensive care, according to Dr. Morris. She highlights organizations like Healthy Start, which builds trust with underserved communities and provides resources like prenatal services, postpartum care, newborn services, car seats, and diapers to those in need. 

Beyond operational improvements, fostering community connections is crucial, Dr. Morris notes. Healthcare organizations should strive to make patients aware of local resources, mentorship programs, emotional support networks, and assistance for families in crisis. 

Programs like Better Together, which help single mothers and families in need, demonstrate the importance of integrating community partnerships into healthcare planning, she says.

“Partnering with and promoting community programs like Healthy Start and Better Together helps address social determinants of health and provide support beyond clinical care,” says Dr. Morris. “These are valuable community partnership resources that can further improve outreach and patient support. Ultimately, comprehensive healthcare access requires a balance between digital efficiency, provider availability, and strong community engagement."

Looking ahead: Lee Health’s vision for women's healthcare?

Dr. Morris believes a multifaceted approach to women's healthcare should encompass education, access to care, and community resources. As Lee Health Women’s Service Line continues to expand its comprehensive care and personalized treatment options, she envisions:

• A centralized platform for reliable health information
• Improved scheduling systems for convenient, coordinated care
• Better access to affordable services
• Integration with community resources
• Enhanced digital access with provider resources to support it
• Wellness programs specifically for women (see below for this month’s free programs offered by Health Life Center – Coconut Point and WellWay – Cape Coral)

Dr. Morris says the overall goal of National Women’s Health Week is to empower women throughout their healthcare journey with education, access to affordable and convenient care, and connections to community support programs. In Southwest Florida, Lee Health aims to streamline healthcare access through digital platforms, integrate wellness offerings, and enhance partnerships with local organizations.

“Ultimately, we want to provide comprehensive care for women across generations, working past biases, disparities, and stigmas to help women be active participants in their healthcare journey,” she says.

Lee Health Women’s Health Service Line 

Lee Health provides comprehensive women's health services, encompassing obstetrics and gynecology, maternity care, and breast health services, delivered with compassion and personalized attention.

Our specialists deliver comprehensive women's healthcare services, incorporating preventative medicine, routine examinations, and advanced diagnostic testing to ensure optimal care across all life stages. 

We invite you to read more about our programs, essential tests, resources, and everything you need to stay informed and healthy.

Find a Women’s Care Location Close to You: View Locations Here

Behavioral Resources

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Do you need pregnancy, postpartum, and post-loss support?

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7, 365 days a year, in English or Spanish, and other languages by request. 

Call or text 1-833-943-5746 anytime to connect with a Hotline counselor for a confidential conversation, support, understanding, and resources. (The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is not intended as an emergency response line.)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You are not alone. No está solo.

If you’re in crisis and need to talk, contact 988LIFELINE.ORG.

Sometimes life's challenges can be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you. Your conversations are free and confidential.

Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponsible en Español. Sus conversaciones son gratuitas y confidenciales.

National Women’s Health Week 2025: Join Us May 14 to Celebrate Strength and Wellness 

On Wednesday, May 14, Lee Health Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point and WellWay – Cape Coral will celebrate National Women’s Health Week with a line-up of energizing exercise sessions and educational programs that will benefit your heart health, menopause support, and pelvic floor wellness. 

Healthy Life Center – Coconut Point
Free Community Chair Yoga
9-10 a.m.
This is a gentle chair yoga class in the fresh air. The emphasis will be on mindful movement with the breath. You will feel invigorated, calm, and focused. It is suitable for all levels.

Menopause: It’s More Than Just Hot Flashes
10-11 a.m.
An enlightening conversation about midlife hormones and why they matter to all of us.

Empowering Hearts: Celebrating Women's Health Week with a Focus on Heart Health 
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. 
Join Lee Health Heart Institute Shantelle Bartra, APRN, to learn about Women's Heart Health.

Cooking Demo- Nourish Your Mind: Women's Health Week Edition
12:30-1:30 p.m. $5 fee. 
Join us for a fun and interactive cooking demo focused on nourishing your body from the inside out.

The Power of the Pelvic Floor: Essential Insights for Women’s Health
2-3 p.m. 
Learn about the importance of pelvic floor strength, how it impacts daily life, and practical tips to improve your health and well-being. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into a topic every woman should know about.

WellWay – Cape Coral
Discover The Power of the Pelvic Floor 
8:30-9:30 a.m. 

Lee Health Hospital at Home: Pioneering the Future of Patient Care
10-11 a.m.
Join us for an informative lecture to learn all about the Lee Health Hospital at Home program! Hear from key leaders, including System Director Kristy Dutton, Nursing Director Jennifer Blue, and Medical Director Dr. Alexander Levit. Gain valuable insights into this innovative approach to healthcare and ask questions.

For all events, RSVP by calling 239-468-0050 or visiting www.LeeHealth.org/Events.

Healthy Life Center - Coconut Point
Get Directions
23450 Via Coconut Point
Estero, FL 33928

WellWay - Cape Coral
Get Directions
609 SE 13th Ct.
Cape Coral, FL 33990