How We Began

The Women's Health Source free health and wellness program has blossomed to more than 110,000 members in the Philadelphia area since the following article was first published in December of 2002.

An annual survey of our members continues to demonstrate a satisfaction rate of greater than 96 percent and continues to guide us in developing the newsletter articles, programming and events that health-conscious women in the Philadelphia area want and need.

In 2008, Women's Health Source remains devoted to Philadelphia-area women. The Menopause and You program is an example of providing a requested resource from our audience. This virtual program, directed by Beverly Vaughn, MD, became a reality in 2003 and provides articles written by physicians and healthcare professionals in their field of expertise. The articles are posted monthly and archived for easy access on the WHS Web site. Yearly live programming and access to a nurse for personal questions are other program highlights.

Looking ahead, we are planning to expand suggested programming by adding blogs and discussion groups to support our Women's Health Source membership and events to bring members together in education and fun.

Note: The following article was prepared for Advance for Nurses magazine 2002.  

How We Began

By Sharon Register, RN, BSN, Former Women’s Health Source Nurse Counselor

With few exceptions, women manage the healthcare needs of their families. Between balancing the kids’ dentist appointments and getting their immunizations, along with the many other interruptions of daily life, it’s easy for a woman to put off taking care of her own health needs.

In 1996, Main Line Health, composed of Lankenau, Bryn Mawr and Paoli Memorial Hospitals, established Women’s Health Source (WHS). The program was initially developed to provide a free health resource center for women. We wanted to reach women in the hospitals’ service areas of Montgomery, Delaware and Chester, and parts of Philadelphia Counties, although the program was not exclusive to these areas. Instrumental to the program was a registered nurse who assisted women with health questions and researched health issues for them. The program also sponsored several health and exercise programs.

By 2001, some 5,300 women had used the resources available through Women’s Health Source. But was the program meeting the needs of women in our community? To find out, Main Line Health surveyed these 5,300 women, asking for their ideas and suggestions. Topics ranged from health issues of concern for women and their families to newsletter content. We also asked them if they would join Women’s Health Source if we redesigned the program, incorporating their suggestions. The response was overwhelmingly positive—yes.

In February 2002, the newly designed Women’s Health Source launched as the area’s only free women’s health membership program. Enhanced services included free health consultations by a nurse counselor, programs and screenings targeted to women’s health issues—nutrition, exercise, childbirth, breast cancer, bone loss, menopause among them—and discounts to local and national businesses.

Not For Women Only

Beyond women’s health issues, the program assists with referrals and information in a number of areas. We help people find childcare, or information about pediatricians, prostate cancer and/or family services, to name a few. Men also call because they are concerned about their wives or mothers, or have issues of their own and are seeking services. People contact us by phone, email or through the Internet.

A New Role and New Rewards

It is most rewarding when we are able to help someone find the answers they need—whether they are looking for a mom's group or access to free gynecological exams. Women’s Health Source receives questions as simple as what to do for a sore throat, or as complex as finding the services needed to help a family member recover from open-heart surgery. Women call about issues that are personal to them or a family member. They may need information on educational classes or they may simply want to schedule a tour of one of our maternity units. Some are not sure what type of services they may need. For example, we help them understand if a cardiac rehabilitation program may be more beneficial for their condition than another type of exercise program. We help them navigate the sometimes confusing world of healthcare today.

If requested services are not available through the our hospitals, we refer people to services in the community. For example, we once had contact with a woman who was seeking support for her mentally challenged, elderly uncle. We defined his needs, took the time to research community resources and found what she needed for him. In doing so, we exceeded her expectations—we give people more than they expect.

The Physician Connection

Establishing physician relationships and increasing their awareness of our services takes time. We are successfully building the physician/nurse relationship and a number of physicians now refer patients to us for healthcare information. Our approach is to keep physicians informed about the many ways we can help their patients. For example, we now provide online maternity registration. The obstetricians and their patients love this service and find it convenient and easy to use. In addition, a Women’s Health Source representative serves as a liaison to physicians, as well as to members of community organizations and businesses, to continue to increase public awareness of services available through Main Line Health.

Advantages of Membership

While membership is not necessary to access Women’s Health Source referral services, the free membership entitles women to receive discounts provided by local and national merchants, including area fitness centers, salons, theaters and specialty food stores. Members receive a pink Women’s Health Source card to receive discounts.

Members also receive a quarterly Women’s Health Source 12-page newsletter filled with health information relevant to their lives. We also collaborate with other hospital departments to target educational programs to suit women’s needs.

Finally, Women’s Health Source is striving to strengthen its collaboration with the community by offering unique services.

Looking Ahead

Since February 2002, membership has grown to 110,000. For the future, Women’s Health Source plans to offer specific programs, screenings and seminars in response to an annual survey of members, seeking to address unmet needs in the areas served by Main Line Health. For example, we are finding that many women are seeking a support group for menopause—support that is almost nonexistent at this time for women in our area. Future plans also include opportunities for women to meet socially through Women’s Health Source, such as at a retreat, a night at the theater or a fashion show. And to continue to better serve women in our community, we are establishing an advisory group comprised of Women’s Health Source members who are leaders in our community and who will further shape the direction of the program.

The ultimate goal in expanding Women's Health Source is to help more women make their well being a priority. While women traditionally act as their family's healthcare advocates, they do not often recognize that their own health, fitness and self-image are all key components of the whole family's quality of life. Too often, personal health is not a priority for the same women who regularly make the medical appointments for their children, spouses and parents.