Health Matters for Women Newsletter

September 2023

CDC Re-launches AMIGAS With Updated Tools and Resources to Help Community Health Workers Boost Cervical Cancer Screening and Reduce Cancer Disparities
AMIGAS is a bilingual educational outreach program. It is proven to be effective in promoting cervical cancer screening among Hispanic women and Latinas ages 21 to 65. This program is important because Latinas are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer than non-Hispanic White women in the United States. Latinas also have higher rates of developing and dying from cervical cancer compared to non-Hispanic White women.

Sickle Cell Awareness Month: New Fact Sheets for Women with Sickle Cell Disease
CDC has developed new fact sheets on preconception care, prenatal care, and postpartum care for women living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Women with SCD are at greater risk for developing complications during pregnancy than women without SCD. For some women with SCD, pregnancy can make their disease more severe, and treatments may need to be changed to help manage complications. This makes preconception, prenatal, and postpartum care especially important to help women with SCD stay healthy throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Vital Signs: Maternity Care Experiences — United States, April 2023
Maternal deaths increased in the United States during 2018–2021, with documented racial disparities. Respectful maternity care (e.g., preventing mistreatment, communicating effectively, and providing care equitably) can be integrated into strategies that aim to improve quality of care and reduce pregnancy-related deaths.

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Question: Suicide rates vary across racial and ethnic groups of women. According to the most recent data, of these racial and ethnic groups, suicide rates are highest among ___________.

Incorrect Answers: Non-Hispanic White women, non-Hispanic Black women

Correct Answer: Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women

Suicide risk is higher among certain groups. Suicide rates for women are highest among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native women. Learn more: Preventing Suicide Requires a Comprehensive Approach. Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.