Greenville Hospital System - Every Woman

What is it?

The goal of the Every Woman health initiative is to help women of all ages, races and economic backgrounds achieve and maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle through prevention, early detection and appropriate medical interventions available through Greenville Hospital System. Every Woman began in 2003 as a year-long community health awareness initiative designed to educate women about the prevalence, prevention and causes of heart disease.

Who is it for?

All area women; however, women over age 40 and minorities are a primary focus.

Why do they do it?

The Every Woman health initiative is an extension of Greenville Hospital System's mission to improve the health of the people in its community in a caring, cost-effective manner. They hope that by providing these women with important health education and encouraging healthy behaviors, the hospital program not only decreases hospitalization rates and readmissions, but helps women identify potential risk factors and improves the health of entire families.

This health initiative is also an opportunity for Greenville Hospital System to build relationships with businesses in its community and local media that share a common vision: to foster the health and well-being of every citizen and, in doing so, to build a better future and improve quality of life.

Impact

In its first year, the initiative employed a variety of educational events and materials to reach more than 10,000 women with the message that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women and that it can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.

In 2005, the initiative expanded its focus from heart disease to include additional health and lifestyle topics, such as diet and diabetes, arthritis and osteoporosis, menopause, stress management, and more. In 2006, the initiative expanded even further, taking a more holistic approach by focusing on the mind, body and spirit through activities and demonstrations that offer women an opportunity for relaxation and renewal.

Contact: Robyn Zimmerman
Community and Public Relations Manager
Telephone: 864-797-7559
E-mail: rzimmerman@ghs.org