WISEWOMAN: addressing the needs of women at high risk for cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) disproportionately affect low-income women and minority ethnic and racial groups in the U.S.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) WISEWOMAN Program was established to address these disparities.
• WISEWOMAN extends preventive health services to participants of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), targeting vulnerable, high-risk populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expand preventive health services for cardiovascular health concerns in low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women.
• To address the disparate impact of CVD on minority women and women with low income.
• To connect high-risk women with clinical systems of care and community resources for CVD prevention and management.

Main Methods:

• CDC funds 19 state health departments and 2 tribal organizations to implement the WISEWOMAN Program.
• The program provides preventive health screenings and connects women to resources.
• Data collection on screenings and program reach, particularly among minority women.

Main Results:

• In the first 2 years of the 2008-2013 funding cycle, WISEWOMAN grantees provided nearly 78,000 screenings.
• 46% of screenings were provided to women from minority racial and ethnic groups.
• The program has demonstrated success in impacting clinical systems, provider education, and community outreach.

Conclusions:

• The WISEWOMAN Program effectively reaches and screens high-risk women, including a significant proportion of minority women.
• The program plays a crucial role in connecting vulnerable women to essential cardiovascular health services and resources.
• WISEWOMAN contributes to the prevention, treatment, and management of CVD risk in underserved populations.