PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
May 13, 2013

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Christie Administration Celebrates National Women’s Health Week

During National Women's Health Week, May 12-18, the New Jersey Department of Health will participate in events to honor women's health advocates and recognize women caregivers. National Women's Health Week is a week-long health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. 

"During National Women's Health Week, it is important that we encourage women to make their health a priority and take steps to live longer, healthier lives," Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd said. "Whether it's eating healthier foods, finding time to exercise or getting that overdue medical checkup, making small changes now can reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, depression and other health problems later." 

On Thursday, May 16, Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd will deliver opening remarks at the New Jersey Primary Care Association Women's Health Advocates Recognition Brunch honoring women who have made a significant contribution to women's health care. This event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Historic Trenton Masonic Temple. In addition to highlighting programs that promote wellness and prevention, Commissioner O'Dowd will also highlight recovery resources available to women and families that were impacted by Sandy. 

Friday, May 17, the Department will hold its Ninth Annual Women's Caregiver Retreat at the Robert Wood Johnson Hamilton Center for Health and Wellness in Hamilton. The retreat, which begins at 9 a.m., will feature speakers, health screenings and workshops on fitness, healthy cooking and stress reduction. To register, visit http://www.fscnj.org/content/services/retreat.php

Communities, businesses, government, health organizations and other groups are observing National Women's Health Week by educating women about the steps they can take to improve their health and lower their risk of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, osteoporosis and depression. These include exercising regularly, eating a nutritious diet, getting regular medical checkups and preventive screenings.

To ensure women have access to life-saving screenings, Governor Christie has maintained $12 million in funding in his proposed Fiscal Year 2014 budget for New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program, which provides cancer outreach, education, screening and follow-up services to uninsured residents. To find more information, please visit: http://nj.gov/health/cancer/njceed/

The Christie Administration also provides $50 million in funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to provide comprehensive care for uninsured residents who need routine health services including vaccinations, dental care and health screenings. Residents can find an FQHC near them by visiting the Department's website at http://web.doh.state.nj.us/apps2/fhs/cphc/cphcSearch.aspx.

Low-income pregnant women and women with children up to age 5 can also receive services from the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which is a food and nutrition education program. New Jersey WIC provides supplemental nutritious foods for New Jersey's youngest residents and their families at risk for poor nutrition and medical problems. WIC services include nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding promotion and support, immunization screening and health care referrals. For information on WIC, visit http://nj.gov/health/fhs/wic/index.shtml.

The National Women's Health Information Center web page lists planned events nationwide. You can search for New Jersey events at this web page: http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/events/.

For more information on National Women's Health Week, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web site at: http://womenshealth.gov/nwhw/

###

 

Last Reviewed: 5/13/2013