Well-Woman Program

Increasing Well-Woman Visits - Community Grant

CCHD is excited to announce a new program being offered by the Department.  This program, entitled The Well-Woman Project, is funded by a grant from IDPH Office of Women’s Health.  The purpose of the grant is to increase the number of local women receiving annual well-woman care.  By promoting primary healthcare for Calhoun women, we help promote the health and economic well-being of the population as a whole.  A well-woman visit provides an excellent opportunity to counsel patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks.

            Through surveys and research, we have determined that some of the barriers which are keeping women from getting annual exams include lack of insurance, lack of transportation, fear, and lack of knowledge.  We will attempt to address these barriers by providing gas cards for doctor visits, insurance counseling, assistance in finding a provider, and education on well-woman care and reproductive life planning. 

            The well-woman visit is part discussion and part physical exam.  It also involves any testing, counseling, or immunizations you require, depending on your age, lifestyle, and medical history.  While some topics may feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about, your doctor is there to help without judgment.

            Mental health is a vital part of women’s health, so it plays an important part in our program.  Depression screenings will be administered at well-woman visits, and if indicated, referrals to free or reduced cost mental health services will be available to participants.

            Over the coming weeks, we will be providing more information on our website and Facebook page about this new program.  We will also be appearing at County events to share information, as well as placing informational brochures around the County.  If you are someone who already schedules your yearly well-woman visits, we celebrate you! Please still read the weekly articles we will be providing on our website, anyway…you might learn something new!  And please join us in convincing your neighbors that annual well-woman care is important, and available!  If you are not one of these individuals, please follow along with us and see if we can help you address whatever your barriers are.  Knowledge is empowering, and can lead you down the path of making good, informed decisions about your health.  Please contact CCHD at 618-576-2428, or through Facebook, for more information about the Well-Woman Project, and continue checking back on our webpage for new articles.  Together, we can make Calhoun Healthier, one Well-Woman at a time!

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