March is Women’s History Month. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women throughout history. The theme for this year’s Women’s History Month, designated by the National Women’s History Alliance, is "Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope." This theme recognizes the tireless efforts of caregivers and frontline workers during the pandemic as well as recognizing how women have provided healing and hope throughout history. Marked annually during Women’s History Month, March 8 is International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The United Nation’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.”
For Women’s History Month, CHCANYS is celebrating the fearless women leaders and champions of the community health center movement throughout history. Catherine Abate is one such community health center champion, advocating for health care, housing, LGBTQ+, and women’s rights throughout her life. As a former New York State Senator, former New York City Commissioner, and as President & CEO of CHN from 1999 until her passing in 2014, she made tremendous advancements in health care for the betterment of all New Yorkers. We are also celebrating Dorothy Kartashevich, a fearless leader who was a Sunset Park Health Center Network (now Family Health Centers of NYU Langone) board member, distinguished by her unwavering commitment to the community health center movement.
In keeping with the theme for Women’s History Month – “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” CHCANYS is honoring two fearless women leaders – Monique Dennis-Farrington and Dr. Warria Esmond – who will be recognized during CHCANYS Statewide Virtual Advocacy Week for their contributions to the community health center movement.
During CHCANYS “Patient Voices” Panel on March 9, CHCANYS will be honoring Monique Dennis-Farrington with the Dorothy Kartashevich Award, an award given to a consumer board member who has worked tirelessly on their health center’s behalf. Monique is a Parent Advocate and Consumer Board Member who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the mission and goals of Metro Community Health Centers, Inc. As a long-standing member of the Bronx community, Ms. Dennis-Farrington has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that there is equity in not only healthcare, but also in meeting the needs of the larger geographic community. Click here to read more about Monique.
On March 11 during CHCANYS “Celebrating Our Health Center Staff” event, Dr. Warria Esmond will be honored with the Dr. Geiger Award, an award that honors a licensed provider in New York State who is considered a leader in promoting quality health care, mirroring Dr. Geiger’s vision. Dr. Esmond has served as the Chief Medical Officer of Settlement Health & Medical Services since 2004 and is recognized for her exemplary leadership, advocacy, and dedication at her health center. Among her peers, Dr. Esmond is an inspiring mentor to students considering a career in health care for underserved populations and to colleagues who are new to FQHCs. She is a champion for community health centers at the state and national levels. Click here to read more about Dr. Esmond.
CHCANYS encourages you to join us throughout Women’s History Month in celebrating the incredible and inspiring women throughout history and in our lives.
On behalf of CHCANYS, I want to personally invite you to participate in CHCANYS Statewide Virtual Advocacy Week March 9 through March 11. Click here to register today!
Rose Duhan
CHCANYS President and CEO
Resources
- U.S. National Park Service - Women's History: The National Park Service has compiled a history of notable women in public health and medicine. Check out their website and learn more about each and every one of these incredible women.
- CDC's Office of Women's Health: The CDC’s Office of Women’s Health promotes public health research, evidence-based programs, policies, and strategies to improve the health and well-being of women and girls. Check out their website for scientific findings and resources to support women’s health equity.
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Office on Women's Health: The Office on Women's Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OWH coordinates women's health efforts across HHS and addresses critical women's health issues by informing and advancing policies, educating health care professionals and consumers, and supporting innovative programs. The Office on Women’s Health has developed resources and patient materials to support women’s health.
- National Institute of Mental Health - Women and Mental Health: The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. Mental health affects women and men differently. NIMH has compiled resources, information, and the latest news about women and mental health.