Leaders in Women's Health

The Leaders in Women’s Health, a program of the Tacoma Urban League, began through a series of listening sessions about breast health in the African American community sponsored by Carol Milgard Breast Center. During these sessions, it quickly became apparent that many African American women have a particularly negative experience in clinical settings and with healthcare providers. This revelation sparked a robust dialogue among the focus group participants about the need for cultural competency training for providers and in contrast, the need for consumers to activate effective doctor-patient partnerships.  After nearly twelve years, the Leaders in Women’s Health increased its understanding not only of barriers to breast health, but of many health disparities, particularly here in Pierce County. The Leaders in Women’s Health participants discovered that everyday community members can affect systemic change in the "whole" healthcare, mind, body and soul. Through stakeholder engagement, shared learnings and collaboration—the Leaders in Women’s Health is forging a pathway for civic engagement and Leadership from and by the community.