| Program Name |
WISEWOMAN |
NBCCEDP |
| Focus |
Reducing
heart disease risk factors through screening and helping women
improve their lifestyle. |
Finding
cancer as early as possible through testing. |
| Services
provided |
Heart
disease risk factor (blood pressure, blood cholesterol)
testing;
Some projects provide other testing;
Lifestyle intervention (classes, counseling,
activities);
Referrals to health care providers and
sources of low cost medications. |
Breast
exam;
Pap test;
Mammography
(breast x-ray)
Other services include tests that are
diagnostic; that is, they pinpoint problems. |
| Year
program started |
1995 |
1990 |
| Age
group |
40-to
64-year-old women |
18-to
64-year-old women
(cervical cancer screening)
50-to 64-year-old women
(breast cancer screening)
|
| Program
reach (or scope) |
Currently
offered in 15 states. |
Nationwide |
|
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What
interventions are used in WISEWOMAN projects?
A description of WISEWOMAN materials that
are designed specifically for participants are available. These include
guides on how to make better choices for healthy living. Healthy eating
information includes recipes, food buying and cooking tips. Information on
safe and easy ways to be more active and fit is also shared.
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What information is gathered and how is it used?
Tests are conducted by the health care provider such as blood pressure
and the amount of cholesterol in the blood. The results from each
yearly screening visit are reviewed by the health care provider and
reported to the CDC to see if they improve. Questionnaires help measure
changes in healthy eating and physical activity levels as a result of
participating in WISEWOMAN sessions. Lab tests are used to show changes in
risk factors while questionnaires reveal behavioral changes.
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How are WISEWOMAN projects implemented?
States or other recognized or approved organizations carry out
WISEWOMAN services in local communities. Project directors choose
locations within these communities based on a number of factors. Selected
sites receive funds that allow services to be provided. Usually the
locations are a public health department or a doctor's office. Women are
able to get their cholesterol and blood pressure tested and receive
educational materials or counseling.
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What projects currently exist?
Currently, 15 projects exist in the United States. Connecticut,
Massachusetts, Vermont, South Dakota, SEARHC (Southeast Alaska Regional
Health Consortium), Nebraska, Michigan, Missouri, and Minnesota are
standard projects. Enhanced projects include North Carolina, Iowa, South
Central Foundation (Alaska), California, Illinois, and West Virginia.
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What is the difference between standard and
enhanced projects?
Both standard and enhanced projects provide testing services and
activities for women. In addition, enhanced projects conduct intervention
research. This means enhanced projects test how effective activities such
as classes, programs and counseling are in helping women to eat healthier,
exercise more and lower their blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
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Are there plans in the future to expand?
The WISEWOMAN Program has currently reached the maximum number of
projects at 15 as authorized by legislation. The success of the WISEWOMAN
program has been documented in the June, 2004 issue of the Journal of
Womens Health. The program continues to make significant progress towards
eliminating health disparities and responding to the preventive health
care needs of low-income women. Expansion plans for the WISEWOMAN program
are contingent upon Congressional authorization beyond fiscal year 2004.
Authorizing and Related Legislation
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How can
I find out about those opportunities?
We have had many applications for WISEWOMAN, showing that there is a
strong demand out there for this kind of a program. The federal cap has to
be increased to allow more programs. If funds become available in 2005,
opportunities for additional projects will be announced in the Federal
Register. Also, future Requests for Applications (RFAs) will be posted in
our "What's New" section.
Authorizing and Related Legislation
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Where can I find scientific publications on
WISEWOMAN?
See Publications for a list of
publication references.
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|
A wise woman takes care of her health. She also knows that half of all
women may develop heart disease and takes steps to keep her heart healthy.
This includes having her blood pressure and blood cholesterol checked,
watching what she eats, being physically active or exercising, and
choosing not to smoke.