A Nationwide Call to Prioritize Women’s Health
From May 14 to 20, 2023, the Office on Women’s Health (OWH) led the nation in celebrating National Women’s Health Week (NWHW), an annual initiative aimed at empowering women and girls to take proactive steps in managing their health. Under the banner of “Empowering Women, Cultivating Wellness,” the 2023 campaign placed strong emphasis on preventive care, mental health, and holistic well-being, especially in the wake of disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this observance encouraged women to prioritize regular check-ups, screenings, and healthy behaviors across all stages of life. The campaign focused on addressing gender-specific health needs while promoting equitable access to care for women of all backgrounds.
Core Themes and Resources Offered
The 2023 observance included a range of resources and daily themes aimed at addressing key aspects of women’s health. Through webinars, social media outreach, community events, and digital toolkits, OWH promoted awareness around:
1. Annual Well-Woman Visits
- Women were encouraged to schedule their yearly preventive health appointments, which include screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, cervical cancer, breast health, and reproductive health.
- The campaign highlighted how these visits are essential for detecting conditions early, receiving vaccinations, and updating family health histories.
2. Mental Health and Stress Management
- With mental health concerns rising among women post-pandemic, the initiative focused on stress-reduction strategies, including mindfulness, therapy, and sleep hygiene.
- The OWH provided guidance for recognizing signs of anxiety, depression, and burnout—particularly for women balancing caregiving, parenting, and professional responsibilities.
3. Physical Activity and Nutrition
- NWHW promoted moderate physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week) and encouraged healthy dietary choices to support long-term wellness.
- Tips for incorporating exercise into busy routines were tailored for different age groups, fitness levels, and lifestyles.
4. Health Equity and Access
- The campaign spotlighted barriers to care experienced by women of color, rural residents, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities.
- By amplifying these disparities, NWHW 2023 aimed to spark conversations about inclusive health systems, culturally competent care, and the importance of community-based health services.
Bridging the Preventive Care Gap
Public health officials noted that many women delayed or missed preventive care during the height of the pandemic, contributing to concerns about delayed diagnoses and worsening chronic conditions. NWHW 2023 served as an opportunity to reconnect women with essential healthcare services, particularly in areas such as cancer screenings, reproductive health, and chronic disease management.
Dr. Dorothy Fink, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Women’s Health, emphasized the campaign’s importance: “We want every woman to feel empowered to put her health first—not just this week, but every week. Preventive care saves lives.”
Community Engagement and Outreach
Across the country, clinics, nonprofits, schools, and health departments organized events aligned with the week’s themes. These included:
- Free or low-cost screening days
- Virtual fitness classes and health workshops
- Mental health webinars and support groups
- Social media challenges promoting self-care routines
In addition, healthcare providers used the week to educate patients on their coverage rights under the Affordable Care Act, which mandates that many preventive services for women be covered without cost-sharing.
Looking Ahead
As National Women’s Health Week 2023 concluded, organizers stressed that the work must continue year-round. The week served as a powerful reminder that preventive care and health education are fundamental to improving women’s health outcomes, reducing healthcare disparities, and ensuring that women of all backgrounds receive the support they need to thrive.
Women are encouraged to visit the OWH website for ongoing resources and updates on how to maintain wellness, seek care, and support others in their communities on their health journeys.
Source:
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion – National Women’s Health Week 2023
