Providing resources and support for women to take charge of their health.
Women are usually so busy taking care of everyone else, they forget to look after their own needs. But Women Enlightened for Better Health (WE) at Rancho Springs Medical Center can help. This free program offers support, fellowship and healthcare information to women to help them make important decisions for themselves and their families.
Director of Service Excellence and Volunteers Ginny Ince is part of the multi-functional team who helps run the program. “The fact that we have a team behind this program is what makes it such a success,” she says. “But more importantly, the success of the program starts at the top, with the senior leadership identifying this as a key service line for the hospital and making it a reality. Everyone gets involved and interacts with members at the events.”
Opportunities for learning
Ince explains that the program provides opportunities for women to learn about many of the health issues they may currently deal with or may face in the future, as well as share their stories and advice with each other. “Every third Wednesday of the month, we host a free lunch and dinner that features a guest speaker, such as a doctor or a specialist in joint replacement, nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, breast care and much more,” she says. “The speaker presents for about 20 minutes, and then there is a brief Q & A session.”
The WE program is very popular, with more than 2,000 members, cites Ince. “Our membership keeps growing each month, it’s incredible,” she says. “We offer the lunch or dinner option to allow more flexibility for our members’ schedules.” Ince says members are very close and they enjoy the monthly meetings. “There is one group of women who travel together each month to attend. They love coming here because it’s informative and fun.”
WE Membership is free, and new members receive a welcome packet, a LIV® breast self-exam kit and a monthly newsletter with information about upcoming events. There are also free and reduced-fee screenings and educational classes held at Rancho Springs Medical Center during the year.