SPRINGFIELD, IL –Governor George H. Ryan today announced the awarding of $1.4 million in grants to local health departments and other organizations to address the special health needs of women throughout the state.

"These grants support special programs that provide women of all ages with important tools and information to respond to their unique health risks," Ryan said.

Women's health initiative funds are earmarked for programs designed to encourage healthy lifestyles in women and girls of all ages and to support community outreach, health promotion, education and research. Priorities include building women's health coalitions, educating professionals about eating disorders, providing menopause awareness and education, and prevention cardiovascular disease through physical activity and proper diet and nutrition.

Governor Ryan and Lt. Governor Corrine Wood created the first ever statewide offices dedicated solely to women's health. Through the Department of Public Health, funding for screenings for breast and cervical cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease is available for all 102 counties in the state. Last year, more than 35,000 women attended health-related educational workshops more than 3,500 women were referred for primary care follow-up as a aresult of the workshops.

These grants will help provide vital information about diseases that commonly affect women," Lt. Governor Wood said. "Through education, awareness and prevention we can help ensure that women throughout Illinois lead healthier lives."

Of the 43 grants awarded, more than half are going to projects that directly or indirectly impact cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women in Illinois and the rate is rising, particularly among African-American women.