Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: October 18, 2001
Contact Person: Nancy Libby Fisher, 222-7621

Rhode Island Department of Health Announces Office of Women’s Health

The Office of Women’s Health (OWH) at the Rhode Island Department of Health was announced today by Patricia A. Nolan, MD, MPH, Director of Health. "We will now have the capacity to coordinate a statewide effort which will describe the status of women’s health in Rhode Island," she said. "Leadership will be provided by an Advisory Committee and we are looking for a diverse group of women interested in serving on the Advisory Committee to help guide this effort."

OWH will assess the health needs of women, research women’s health programs, policies and best practices, collect and analyze data, develop plans and policies, articulate health disparities, and provide technical assistance to programs serving women’s health needs. Sharon Marable, MD, MPH is the Medical Director for the Office, and Nancy Libby Fisher is the program coordinator.

"Today is an important day for the women of Rhode Island," said Rep. Suzanne M. Henseler, the Majority Whip in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. "The presence of a Women’s Health Coordinator in the Health Department means that for the first time there will be a unit of state government that will focus exclusively on the health needs of the women of our state," she added. "It is also a special day because it shows what good things can be accomplished when everyone works together," continued Representative Henseler, who represents District 44 in North Kingstown. The legislator said that establishing and funding the Women’s Health Coordinator were a joint effort of the General Assembly, the Department of Health, and the Governor’s Office.

Jane M. Anthony, Chair of the Rhode Island Commission on Women (RICW) noted, "We are extremely pleased with the creation of the OWH and that the RICW is an ex officio member of the Advisory Committee for this important office. The Commission envisions OWH as a critical component for coordination and collaboration of statewide efforts to assess and enhance the health status of all Rhode Island women."

Nominees for the Advisory Committee are sought from those within health care services, professional organizations, state agencies, education groups, businesses, advocacy and advisory groups, among others. Committee appointments will be based on expertise or perspective regarding women’s health. Application forms for the Advisory Committee are available through the Health Department’s web site www.health.ri.gov or by calling 222-7465.