By: Susan Oser
NFBPWC Health Chair, health@nfbpwc.org 

Hello everyone. I am your new Health Committee Chair, Susan Oser from the great state of  Michigan. I would like thank President Barbara Bozeman for having trust in me in this role. 

What makes the right person for this position? 

1. I had a mother who was a licensed practicing nurse (LPN), so I learned some of the  basics from her. 

2. I am currently going through some of my own health-related issues that I would like to encourage you to  take care of your own health. 

3. I decided to take on this role because I feel like there is a big need to discuss women’s health.  4. I would like to make sure there are resources for reaching out for all forms of health issues. 

If you are a former member of the health committee or would like to find an area where you could be involved,  please contact me at soser@nfbpwc.org and I will put you on my list. I have not decided on a meeting date or  time officially, but once I do, I shall let you know. If you have any suggestions for focus topics, articles to write,  etc. Please let me know.  

I would like to make women’s health something we should not be scared to talk about no matter what age we  are or what kind of situation we are going through.

Health Awareness Dates: September is – 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month, Atrial Fibrillation Month, Baby Safety Month, Blood Cancer  Awareness Month, Cholesterol Education Month, Craniofacial Acceptance Month, Global Pulmonary Fibrosis  Awareness Month, Gynecology Cancer Awareness Month, Histiocytosis Awareness Month, (World) Leukemia  and Lymphoma Awareness Month, Mesothelioma Awareness Month, Mold Awareness Month, National Alcohol  & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, National Disease Literacy  Month, National DNA, Geonomics & Stem Cell Education Month, National Food Safety Education Month,  National Head Lice Prevention Month, National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, National Osteopathic  Medicine Month, National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, National Pediculosis (Head Lice) Prevention  Month, National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, National  Sickle Cell Month, National Skin Care Awareness Month, National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month,  National Suicide Prevention Month, Pain Awareness Month, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month, Polycystic  Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month, Self-Care Awareness Month, Sports and Home Eye Health & Safety  Month, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month, World Alzheimer's Month.

Keri Hess Laursen
NFBPWC Health Committee Chair, Downtown Sacramento Member Health@NFBPWC.org 

The Health Committee is seeking a co-chair, no experience required! 

The Health Committee currently meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 5pm PST.   

Please email Keri at:  health@nfbpwc.org to inquire about serving as co-chair or to get on the Health Committee listserv. 

 

Rapid Response Committee Report   

By: Susan E. Oser, NFBPWC Rapid Response Committee Chair 

What Makes an Effective Rapid Response Team 

In an article written for The Management Center website I found some great information on what makes a good rapid response team. 

Source: 

https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/tipsfor-running-an-effective-covid-19-rapid-responseteam/ 

Please connect with Sue Oser at rapidresponse@nfbpwc.org if you have any ideas on topics that should be focused on and discussed as we get into the big election cycle. 

Keri Hess Laursen
NFBPWC Health Committee Chair, Downtown Sacramento Member Health@NFBPWC.org

The Health Committee is seeking a co-chair, no experience required!

The Health Committee currently meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 5pm PST.

Please email Keri at: health@nfbpwc.orgto inquire about serving as co-chair or to get on the Health Committee listserv.

NFBPWC Health Committee is Seeking a Co-Chair!

Keri Hess Laursen, NFBPWC Health Committee Chair, Downtown Sacramento Member Health@NFBPWC.org 

The Health Committee is seeking a co-chair, no experience required!

The Health Committee currently meets the 2nd Monday of each month at 5pm PST.  

Please email Keri at:  health@nfbpwc.org to inquire about serving as co-chair or to get on the Health Committee listserv

Period Poverty Call to Action

Message from NFBPWC President Megan Shellman-Rickard

As you may be aware, NFBPWC has started a new initiative to tackle period poverty, led by our Young BPW. As you may not be aware, period poverty is a pressing issue in the US, affecting millions of menstruators every year who struggle to access essential menstrual hygiene products. To commemorate Period Action Day, held annually on the second Saturday of October, I am reaching out to you, our dedicated NFBPWC leaders, to encourage your participation in our nationwide Period Product Drive Campaign.

What is the Period Product Drive Campaign?

Our Period Product Drive aims to collect and distribute menstrual hygiene products to those in need in our local communities. By hosting a drive, you'll be contributing directly to alleviating period poverty and promoting menstrual health and hygiene. The goal is to coincide period product drives in our chapters nationwide with Period Action Day.

Why Participate?

By organizing a Period Product Drive, you'll be helping individuals who often lack access to necessary period supplies. Your efforts will directly improve the quality of life for women in your community. Engaging in this campaign also allows you to connect with your community on a deeply meaningful level. It's an opportunity to raise awareness about period poverty and mobilize support. Lastly, hosting a drive empowers your chapter and its members to drive positive change. Your leadership can inspire others to get involved and make a lasting impact.

Resources and Support:

To assist you in your efforts, we have prepared a comprehensive guide containing planning tips, promotional materials, and information about period poverty. Additionally, the period poverty team is here to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have along the way. We also encourage you to use the period product price tracker put together by the period poverty team. We will be using this information to create more advocacy and educational campaigns.

Period Product Drive Info.pdf

Let's come together and take action against period poverty. Your dedication as affiliate chapter leaders is what makes our organization thrive and our impact real. Together, we can create a world where everyone has access to the basic necessities they deserve.

Please let us know if you're interested in hosting a Period Product Drive, and we'll be more than happy to provide you with all the support you need to make it a success. You can also join the next period poverty meeting scheduled for September 28th. Feel free to reach out to Young BPW Emily VanVleck at evanvleck@nfbpwc.org for further information or assistance.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our cause. Let's make a difference together!

Health Committee Report
By: Keri Hess Laursen, NFBPWC Health Committee Chair