June 10, 1997

CHICAGO, ILL -- First Lady Brenda Edgar today launched "Friend to Friend," the Illinois Women's Health Campaign, a comprehensive public awareness initiative focusing on the special health needs of women age 40 and older.

Mrs. Edgar also announced the creation of an Office of Women's Health within the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will direct this initiative.

"Women at mid-life face many changes all at once, some physical, some psychological, all frustrating.'' Mrs. Edgar said. ``A woman is not only confused, but also at risk for major health problems. The mission of Friend to Friend is to inform women and encourage them to become their own best health care advocates."

As part of the National Governors' Association Spouses Program, spouses of governors across the country have launched a nationwide campaign to raise public awareness on 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.

As part of the national effort, Mrs. Edgar formed the Illinois Women's Health Campaign which led to Gov. Jim Edgar's creation of a new Office of Women's Health. This office will coordinate Friend to Friend activities and chair the interagency women's health council with the Governor's Office.

Sharon Green, former executive director of the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization, was named the first Deputy Director of Women's Health by Gov. Edgar.

"Sharon brings a background of advocacy, management and leadership in the women's health field to this job," the Governor said. "We are fortunate that she has joined state government to help bring focus to the women's health agenda in Illinois."

Friend to Friend features a toll-free helpline, 1-888-522-1282, that will provide callers with answers to health concerns or refer them to a community-local resource. It is staffed by trained information specialists, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

"In the busy lifestyle of the '90s, women may not have the time to identify health resources or implement the information they know," Mrs. Edgar said, "It is my desire for Friend to Friend to provide women access to information to make this transition in life as painless as possible."

The Illinois Women's Health Campaign is a public-private partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Pfizer Inc., State Farm Insurance, the Illinois State Florists Association and more than 30 advocacy and health organizations.

This strong corporate support will fund all public awareness materials, allowing state resources to be dedicated to providing services to women.

``Pfizer is proud to collaborate with the Illinois Women's Health Campaign as together we confront health care issues facing women today," said Ruth Merkatz, Ph.D, Director-Team Leader for Women's Health at Pfizer.

"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois salutes Mrs. Edgar for her leadership in the women's health campaign and we look forward to working with her to advance this important issue," said Raymond F. McCaskey, President and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois.

"Healthy women make healthy families," said Linda Fewkes, State Farm Illinois Public Affairs Manager. "State Farm is proud to be able to support helping women live healthier and longer lives."

A unique public-private partnership with the Illinois State Florists Association was also unveiled. Florists across the state will offer the "Friend to Friend bouquet," an arrangement of cut flowers in a large coffee mug, designed exclusively for this initiative.

"The Friend to Friend bouquet allows others to send vital health information to women with a positive touch," Mrs. Edgar said. "And it provides an opportunity for Illinois florists to contribute to the well being of their clients and community."

The bouquet will be available beginning today at participating Illinois florists and will sell for $25 plus tax and shipping. A portion of the sales from each bouquet will go to the Illinois Women's Health Campaign.

Included with each bouquet will be a Women's Health Quiz, which provides answers to commonly asked questions about six women's health concerns.

"The Illinois State Florists Association is happy to provide our customers with the opportunity to send the gift of health to the important women in their lives," said Eldon Haab, President of the Illinois State Florists Association.

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