The Illinois Women's Health Campaign — "friend-to-friend" — is a comprehensive public awareness initiative focusing on the special health needs of women 40 years of age and older. The initiative which was launched in June 1997 by former First Lady Brenda Edgar, grew out of a national effort by the National Governors' Association Spouses Program to make the public aware of the common but complex issues surrounding women's health. Nationally, the campaign focuses on five major women's health concerns: breast cancer, heart disease, menopause, mental health and osteoporosis. Illinois also included domestic violence in its educational and promotional materials.
friend-to-friend facts
The Illinois Women's Health Campaign targets all Illinois women, with a special focus on women in mid-life, 40 years of age and older.
The campaign promotes statewide educational programs and activities that focus on six topic areas:
The toll-free friend-to-friend helpline — 888-522-1282, TTY (hearing impaired use only) 800-547-0466 — serves as a clearinghouse for women's health resources throughout the state.
The campaign distributes "A Women's Health Quiz" and other health awareness materials for women.
The campaign encourages women to be advocates for their own health needs and to share information with each other — friend-to-friend.
A strong coalition of health agencies, professional medical associations, voluntary organizations, advocates and government officials has planned the campaign.
A public-private partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Pfizer Inc. and State Farm Insurance, this program promotes existing services among state agencies, nonprofit organizations and medical providers throughout the state. This program will utilize corporate sponsorships for educational and promotional materials.
Working with the Illinois State Florists Association, a special friend-to-friend floral arrangement, which includes "A Women's Health Quiz" and information about the helpline, has been created exclusively for the Illinois Women's Health Campaign. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these floral arrangements will go toward the program.
The program is coordinated by the Illinois Department of Public Health's Office of Women's Health.
The campaign will integrate state activities with those sponsored by the National Governors' Association Spouses Women's Health Campaign.
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Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |