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National Women's Health Week Ambassadors 2023

National Women's Health Week Ambassadors 2023

Ambassadors are celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs who are champions for women's health issues. They voluntarily help the Office on Women's Health promote National Women's Health Week to a wide range of women, including the ambassadors' fans and communities. 

Please note: The personal statements and opinions expressed by ambassadors are their own and do not represent the views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or the Office on Women’s Health (OWH). Reference in this website to these ambassadors does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by HHS or OWH of the ambassadors or any related products, processes, services, or companies.

Rachel L. Levine, MD Assistant Secretary for Health U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "This year’s theme for National Women’s Health Week serves as a reminder for women and girls to reflect on and take necessary steps to improve overall health. Here at HHS, we believe primary care plays a critical role in promoting women’s health. Women face unique health challenges throughout their lives and primary care providers are often the first line of defense in addressing these health concerns and providing preventative care. If you aren’t already, prioritize regular visits to a primary care provider to improve your overall well-being."

 

Felicia Collins, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health Director HHS Office of Minority Health. "Many women navigate through experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause in addition to health issues like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression, and more. I encourage partners, friends, family, coworkers, and providers to support women and girls in taking steps to promote health and well-being throughout our lives. When we as women care for and honor our whole selves – physically, mentally, and socially – we lead the way for our families, our communities, and the world!"

 

Kaye Hayes, MPA, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Infectious Disease and Director of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy. "Women brave so many responsibilities, including taking charge of our own health. This week, during National Women's Health Week, I urge you to do one simple thing to prioritize your health and wellbeing. By supporting yourself, you can support everything else that is important to you. "

 

Laura Cheever, MD, ScM, Associate Administrator for HIV/ADIS Bureau, Health Resources and Services Administration U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “HIV testing is a part of self-care. Go to gettested.cdc.gov to find free or low-cost HIV testing near you. If you test positive, a community of care is available through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Go to findhivcare.hrsa.gov to find an HIV medical provider near you.”

 

Janine Austin Clayton, MD, FARVO, Associate Director for Research on Women’s Health Director, Office of Research on Women’s Health, National Institutes of Health. “I encourage all women and girls to see their health care providers for regular checkups. You’re the expert on your own body and know when something isn’t right. Throughout life, our bodies change. Menopause is a female-specific part of the life course, not a disease. Each woman experiences menopause in a personal way, so please see a health care provider to help manage your symptoms safely and effectively.”

 

Lenora Johnson, DrPH, MPH Director, Office of Science Policy, Engagement, Education and Communications (OSPEEC) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Institutes of Health. “You can see in others what they don’t see in themselves and what the world doesn’t see in them. We all have that possibility, that potential and that promise of seeing beyond the seeming.” -- Maya Angelou. "It’s important for women to support and strengthen one another. Tell a sister how special she is, how strong she is, and how important it is to you that she take care of herself. You can see in her what she doesn’t see in herself. We all need daily encouragement and affirmation whether from ourselves or from others that “see” us."

 

Kaveeta Vasisht, MD, PHARM.D, Associate Commissioner for Women's Health Director, Office of Women's Health Office of the Commissioner Food and Drug Administration."This National Women's Health Week, take a moment to connect with colleagues, family and friends to promote social well-being. friends."

 

Michael D. Warren, MD, MPB, FAAP, Associate Administrator, Maternal and Child Health Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration. “Healthy women lead to healthy families and ultimately, a healthy nation. Let us all work together to prioritize women’s physical and mental health. I encourage women and their loved ones to seek support when experiencing mental health challenges. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a free resource available to new moms and those who love them: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).”

 

Richelle Marshall, Deputy Director for Operations and Management, Office on Women's Health. "We all have competing priorities that demand our time and energy. Being our best selves means taking the time to focus on our health and personal needs. Talk to your provider and set small, achievable goals to bring healthy change. Remember, one day at a time!"

 

Adrienne Smith, Ph.D., M.S., C.H.E.S. Director, Division of Policy and Performance Management, Office on Women's Health. "Total wellness is what women should strive to achieve…at all stages of life. Living your best life and being your best self are derivatives of physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Let’s focus on us, one step at a time, and make this the best year ever! Be well! Happy National Women’s Health Week 2023"

 

Carter Blakey, Deputy Director, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. "Take care of yourself physically and mentally, —that’s essential to staying healthy. As moms, wives, and daughters, women excel at caring for others. But we need to carve out time for ourselves – whether it’s to get our regular preventive screens like mammograms or get vaccinations or to go outside to take a mind-clearing walk or more vigorous physical activity. This National Women’s Health Week take time to make your own wellness plan – and stick with it!"

 

Muriel Bowser, Mayor of the District of Columbia. "My administration is committed to connecting women in DC to lifesaving screenings and educational resources, and highlighting the importance of going to the doctor regularly. During National Women’s Health Week, we want to remind all women to check in with their health care providers about what regular screenings they might need based on their age, family history, and other factors."

 

Dear Abby, Advice Columnist. "Because of the health crisis, taking care of your health has become even more important. Make your health a priority. Eat healthy, allow time for exercise, manage your stress levels, get the sleep you need and schedule that appointment to see your doctor or dentist as soon as it is feasible. Take steps to eliminate behaviors that put you at risk¬—smoking, texting while driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Your health is your most precious possession. Please take care of it. "

 

Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen and The Promise Fund of Florida. "All women should find out if they are at increased risk of cancer and learn more about the benefits of routine breast and cervical health screenings by speaking with their health care provider. Research continues to yield tremendous progress in how we diagnose and treat cancer. It is crucial that we build upon these successes so they can be shared more equally across racial and ethnic groups in America. We are in this fight together."

 

Dawn Buth, Director, NCAA Office of Government Relations. "Women’s health means women’s strength. Participation in sport and fitness not only translates into healthier bodies for women, but into powerful leadership skills, confidence, resiliency, and social connectedness. And while strong women are impactful on their own, together they are unstoppable. Let’s do this!"

 

Joy Burkhard, MBA Founder and Executive Director, Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health. "It can be very difficult as mothers to prioritize our health. I am finally at a place where I can prioritize exercising -I am taking baby steps and am committed to walking a mile 3 nights a week with my 13-year-old daughter and her friends and their mom. We all get off our screens, fresh air, steps, and great conversation. Baby steps are ok; let's just start taking them together."

 

Joie Byrd, Ms. Veteran America 2022. "I focus on my whole health by staying active and eating good food. For me, staying active includes strength training, wakeboarding, and swimming. Staying active maintains my physical strength and endurance, and also helps to decrease my anxiety and stress levels. I also love good food. I recently shifted my focus from what I can take out of my diet, to all of the nutrition I can add in, which has been such a positive change."

 

Victoria Cargill, MD Senior Director, Center for Public Health Milken Institute "It is hard to shut out the noise and the perpetual demands it seems of work, family, friends, social obligations and more. But stop and ask yourself if you are treating yourself as the valuable person you are to your family and friends. I ended up in the ICU when my younger son was age 9 due to overwork, too much caffeine and a nasty cardiac arrythmia. Seeing him wipe his eyes and refusing to come into the ICU was the hard dash of cold water to the face I needed. Show up for your family and friends by taking care of you."

 

Sung Yeon Choimorrow, Executive Director, National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum (NAPAWF). “Access to health care is a top priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. And we must boldly fight for a world where we have the resources and freedom to make decisions about our health and bodies. When we advocate for social, political, and structural change, we help make equitable access to health care a reality for all women and girls.”

 

 

Tamika Felder, Patient Advocate, Speaker, Community Builder, Non Profit Founder, Cervivor, and Author. “Enduring a cancer diagnosis is my constant reminder to take care of myself. I don’t always get it right, but that’s the great thing about life, you can get right back on track. It’s also important not to get overwhelmed or compare yourself to others. My best advice is to do something each day that’s good for your body. Movement and hydration are super important. Movement doesn’t mean scaling a mountain; it can be as easy is stretching and a leisurely walk. And the best, is that you don’t have to do it alone. Make it a family commitment and get your friends involved too. It takes a village; and that’s with everything. Cheers to healthy living and making it fun!”

 

Lori Tremmel Freeman, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of County and City Health Officials.

 

Helene Gayle, MD, Physician, President of Spelman College. “As women, we often have multiple responsibilities—working while taking care of children, as well as other family members. We will be more capable of being fully present for the people in our lives if we are caring for our whole selves—our mental, emotional, spiritual and physical health. It is important for us to be the best we can be for ourselves and others.”

 

Cynthia Germanotta, Philanthropist, Advocate, and Entrepreneur. “We all play a role in supporting one another. Our research at Born This Way Foundation shows youth prioritize their mental health, but don’t often talk about it. One way to reduce stigma and support women and girls is to model healthy conversations about mental health. Our peer-based online mental health course, Be There Certificate, teaches you how to safely support the mental health of your peers and the young people in your life.”

 

Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, MD, MS, President-Elect, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. “Most American women will experience pregnancy in their lifetime. As a physician and a scientist, I know that pregnancy offers an important window into women’s future health. For example, women with depression in pregnancy are more likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder later in life. During National Women’s Health Week, I encourage women to reflect on their pregnancy experiences. Health problems, especially those that first appear during pregnancy – things like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia – can put women at greater risk for similar problems decades after they are done having children. Women should share information about their pregnancy experiences with their primary care provider, and together make a plan so they can live the healthiest possible life.”

 

Verlene M. Harry, MA, LGPC CEO/ WELL Network Group. "Women as you strive to excel as prominent leaders in your homes, businesses, and communities, I encourage you to ensure that you are keeping your mental health and wellness paramount. Your mental health should never be put on the back burner. Remember, the more you nurture your overall wellness, you position yourself to excel in all areas of your life in a more balanced and healthier way."

 

Elizabeth Jones, President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. “My first step is fully embracing a holistic way of living and paying attention to how I am eating, enjoying plenty of fresh veggies, leafy greens, and fruits on a regular basis. The second thing I keep in mind is to focus on an exercise routine that is enjoyable. I choose activities that I love and do them regularly. Finally, I practice a holistic lifestyle, look at everything in my life, and cultivate habits that make me feel strong and balanced.”

 

Sarah Wells Kocsis, Director, Center for Public Health Milken Institute. "Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, engage in physical activity, and take time to do things you enjoy."

 

Joan Lunden, Award-winning Journalist, Best-selling Author, and Health and Wellness Advocate. "So often women decide to put others first-to make sure their loved ones have been taken care of at the sacrifice of their own wellness. It is my hope that I can shed some light on how we can change this outlook."

 

Emme Miller, Founder, True Beauty Foundation Inc. “The best legacy one can leave behind is to choose a purpose-driven life over a life lived by default. The act of self-care and adopting an appreciative mentality begins with you and me and includes being open to new experiences, being honest with ourselves, and accepting change. The simple act of choosing where we place our attention can make all the difference for families, women, and girls, helping everyone to joyfully flourish mentally, spiritually, and physically.”

 

Tiffany Moon, MD, Anesthesiologist, TV Personality. “Supportive relationships are essential for women's health and wellbeing. Whether it's listening without judgment, offering practical help, or celebrating accomplishments, we all have a role to play in lifting each other up.”

 

Lawrence Nelson, MD, MBA, Managing Director, Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation, Inc. “My best advice to encourage good health is to practice being well. Be kind to yourself. Being well is an action we take from moment to moment and a way of living, not a destination. Ideal care is a blend of empathy, science, and hope. Advocate for yourself and pay special attention to that unique vital sign called the menstrual cycle.”

 

Angelina Spicer, Stand-up Comedian/ Maternal Health Advocate. “National Women’s Health Week is a time for our stories to shine. It’s a time where we should encourage women---and moms -- to share their motherhood journeys. These stories embody power. They embody resilience. But they can also embody shame. By sharing our stories, we give each other space for that power to be seen and celebrated.”

 

Dr. Jackie Walters. "The best way to show up for yourself is to show up for your health. Getting regular checkups and making healthy choices in your daily life is key. I tell my patients every day that by being proactive about their health greatly reduces their risk of most diseases or other health-related conditions. Self-care is your best health care. Your greatest wealth is your health!"

 

Tara Westover, New York times Bestselling Author of EDUCATED, National Humanities Medalist. “The most generous forms of love extend inward as well as outward; caring for your own health is as important as caring for others. It is a beautiful thing, learning to see your own self as worthy of your own care.”

 

Dr. Laurie C. Zephyrin MD, MPH, MBA. Senior Vice President, Advancing Health Equity. The Commonwealth Fund I have dedicated my career to women's health and well-being and what I think we need most right now is a transformational shift in our approach toward a health care system that truly integrates women’s and gender health. We should do away with antiquated, fragmented systems and build systems that center people and engage communities as true partners. And, this has to be done with a lens that centers heath equity and breaks down health care silos."

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Page last updated: May 17, 2023