Healthy women are the cornerstone of healthy societies and improving the health of Michigan women and girls can drive improvements in the health of all communities across the state. To help reaffirm the state’s commitment to improving the health of all Michigan women, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Michigan Alliance for Michigan Maternal Health Innovation by proclaiming May as Women’s Health Month.

In addition, from May 9 to 15 will be designated as “Women’s Health Week.”

“The health of all Michigan women is crucial to the overall well-being of our state,” said Governor Whitmer. “By designating May as Women’s Health Month, we recognize the urgency of using state investments to promote equality and expand access to health by removing as many barriers as possible. We can achieve better outcomes for women and families through programs such as Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, an initiative designed to prevent maternal deaths and address racial inequalities and inequalities. This month of women’s health, I want to re-commit the state of Michigan to improving the health and well-being of all women in our state. “

Despite advances in medical science and technology and statewide efforts to combat maternal deaths, women are still dying from pregnancy-related causes. About 44% of maternal deaths in Michigan are preventable and black women are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies plan provides active policy changes, builds alliances with providers and universities, expands access to home visitation programs, and helps access family planning and education.

“Women play such an important role in keeping families healthy,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive of the MDHHS and chief health assistant. “Women often take relatives to the doctor and sometimes delay their care because they take care of others. That’s why it’s so important to raise the importance of women’s health and give them the resources they need to stay and stay healthy. ”

For more information on women’s health, visit the CDC website.

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