WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER SPARKS HEALTHY INTEREST

Dover, DE - The Delaware Division of Public Health's (DPH) Office of Women's Health (OWH) launched its first e-newsletter on May 13, 2012, to a small group of health partners during the nationally observed Women's Health Week. Now one year later, the creative and colorful newsletter has seen a strong and steady growth in distribution - its current issue downloaded over 15,000 times in the first two weeks it was posted - indicating a high level of interest for a small, in-house publication in a state the size of Delaware.

"The success of the OWH Newsletter really has exceeded expectations. It's what we hoped for, of course - just not what we expected," said Emily Knearl, DPH Communications Director. "It's great to know people are connecting to it. It's a perfect resource, providing information that people need to be aware of, but it is also concise. It offers just enough to get a person thinking about health issues that matter. If they need more information, the link is provided. If they feel they don't, they are at least aware of some issues they may not otherwise have known about - and from a disease prevention aspect, that's a step in the right direction. "

With concise but timely, health-conscious articles and out-of-the-box graphics, the newsletter is pleasing to the eye and works well to connect people to the basic information on topics that relate to them, going one step further by linking them to a trusted and credible source if more information or help is needed.

"I am so pleased with the level of interest in our newsletter. We choose topics - some hard for people to discuss with others, such as menopause and mental health issues - that will help women and their families. We're reaching people. We know that women want to make healthy changes and choices, and here is a wonderful resource to help their efforts," said OWH Director, Karen McGloughlin. "Thank you to all of you who have read the OWH newsletter and passed it on to your family, friends, and neighbors. We are grateful that you have made our first year such a big success."

To view the OWH newsletter or to learn more about the DPH Office of Women's Health, go to www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/chca/dphfpservices1.html.

Contact the Delaware OWH for questions or comments or to sign up to receive the newsletter via email at owh@delaware.gov

Visit the National Office of Women's Health at womenshealth.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.