Established in 1991, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) seeks to improve women’s health outcomes through the promotion of a comprehensive health agenda focused on the unique needs of women. As a part of this effort, OWH established National Women’s Health Week (NWHW), a weeklong observance held annually each May beginning on Mother’s Day. NWHW 2024 took place May 12-18th. Throughout the week, women of all ages were inspired to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while awareness was raised for a variety of important women’s health issues.
The theme of NWHW 2024 was “Empowering Women, Cultivating Health: Celebrating Voices, Wellness, and Resilience.” Each day of the weeklong celebration highlighted a different women’s health message. This year, these timely messages were focused on empowering women in their own health journey; identifying safer sexual health practices; addressing maternal mental health issues; reducing women’s health stigma; increasing women’s participation in preventive healthcare services; maintaining reproductive health from puberty through menopause; and understanding women’s heart health.
Addressing these important women’s topics is especially critical in Mississippi. According to the 2023 Health of Women and Children Report published by America’s Health Rankings and the United Health Foundation, Mississippi is the least healthy state in the nation. In the report, Mississippi women and children overall ranked 50th. Additionally, Mississippi ranked in the bottom five states in social and economic factors, physical environment, behaviors, and health outcomes.1
Mississippi ranks first in the nation for infant and maternal mortality and sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates. Mississippi also has one of the highest rates of diabetes and obesity, both of which contribute to the state’s leading causes of death – specifically, heart disease and cancer.2
The good news is that many of these health conditions are preventable. It has been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That is why now more than ever before Mississippi women of all ages need to feel empowered to take control of their health journey. They need to know when, where, and how to participate in important preventive healthcare services. They also need to understand what support and resources are available to them as they navigate the healthcare system.
As physicians, we also play an important role in their journey. We can normalize conversations about women’s health issues and let them know that no topic is “taboo.” We can show empathy as they face any fear that may arise. We can also work to address the social determinants of health that contribute to health disparities and prevent them from achieving health equity.
Together, we can create a healthier Mississippi.