The West Virginia WISEWOMAN Program

This article describes moving The Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) Program from research to practice in a population of low-income, uninsured, or underinsured women in West Virginia (WV) between the ages of 40 and 64 years. Cardiovascular disease risk factors were evident using screening and health history data from women in all stages of change as well as in different phases of the program. An indicator of program success was women's increased activities to improve their cardiovascular health. Women using an interactive Web program, coupled with appropriately delivered health information, can and do make behavior changes. As the WV WISEWOMAN Program moved from research to practice, clinician training and changes to policies and procedures were needed. Clinicians became skilled at motivational interviewing and targeting information to connect women to community resources for ongoing support. The program continues to help clinicians alert women to cardiovascular risks and guide them to take responsibility for their health. Partnerships between women and their providers are the key to successful implementation of healthier lifestyles.