Innovate, Impact, ImproveFALL 2018 Innovate, Impact, Improve Women's Health• 2 3 • Newsletter Notes from Our Executive Director It’s hard to believe we’re in the month of October

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Women's Health

Impact,Improve

Innovate,

Dr. Margie Skeer

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Thank you to the Stoughton Country Club women’s golf league for their generous donation to the WWHF following their annual fundraiser.

Pictured with Sue Ann and Tommi Thompson are Beth Murphy, Beth LePine, and Terri McNamara.

Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018 | 8:00-10:30am The Edgewater Hotel | Madison, WI

Let’s Dialogue About Difficult Family ConversationsThe decisions your children make now can impact their

trajectory for years to come…

Wow, what a stressor for parents! With all that’s going on in

today’s society, it seems like it gets more difficult to keep our

children safe. How do we as parents and other role models

effectively help our children make good choices and avoid the

dangers that may affect their future?

The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation hopes to answer

that question at its Annual Dialogue event, a moderated panel

which discusses complex health topics. This year, we talk to two

family experts about having difficult conversations with our kids

– broaching subjects like the current opioid epidemic, preventing

opioid misuse, relationship violence, and more.

Get a sneak peek as we sit

down with one of our speakers,

Dr. Margie Skeer, Associate

Professor and the Interim

Director of the Masters of

Science in Health

Communication Program at Tufts

University School of Medicine.

WWHF: Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, Dr. Skeer. We are so excited to have you at our Dialogue event this October! The theme for the 2018 Dialogue is “How to Talk to Our Kids: Using Tools to Navigate Difficult Family Conversation.” Why is this important?

Dr. Skeer: Prevention is absolutely key – having conversations early

is really important for the well-being of our children. I think about

it like a subject in school. We wouldn’t sit down with our kids and

teach them algebra once and then expect them to know what to

do. In the same way, we need to work with our kids regularly when

it comes to risk prevention, since it is about helping them develop

the right tools and skills.

Knowing how to talk with our kids about alcohol and drugs is so

important. For communication to be effective, it has to be so

much more than telling them to “just say no”. We need to know

when to have conversations and how. Most people know they

should talk to their kids, but it can be hard to do.

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Newsletter Notes from Our Executive Director It’s hard to believe we’re in the month of October already! Maybe that’s because

we’ve been so busy at the Foundation. You know what they say – time flies when

you’re having fun!

As always, 2018 has been memorable with opportunities to embark on new projects

and program expansions and also to celebrate inspiring women (like at the 2018

Champions in Women’s Health Awards in Spring – a personal highlight for me).

But there’s still a lot of year ahead, and we have a lot to look forward to!

In this edition of the newsletter, you’ll see our work in action – how we’re addressing

difficult conversations about substance abuse and relationship violence at our Annual

Dialogue event on October 11th, breast cancer disparities in Milwaukee through the

Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant, and smoking addiction with yet more exciting

developments in our First Breath program. I also invite you to take a look at our 2017 Annual Report

to see all the other ways in which your support has recently helped us innovate, impact, and improve

women’s health (wwhf.org/about/annual-reports/) throughout the state.

All that we do would not be possible without your generosity and support. Thank you!

Yours for a healthy Wisconsin,

Tommi Thompson

Executive DirectorWisconsin Women’s Health Foundation

Sue Ann Thompson, President Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation Madison, WI

Jason Thompson, Board Chair Business Developer & Attorney, Michael Best & Friedrich Milwaukee, WI

Carol Markos, Vice President Vice President, The Markos Foundation

Janeen Meehan, Secretary Community Volunteer & Retired School Principal Madison, WI

Essie Whitelaw, TreasurerSemi-Retired, Health Insurance Consultant Mequon, WI

Michele Bauer, M.D.Chief Medical Officer, Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire

Terri BresenhamChief Innovation Officer GE Healthcare

Molly Carnes, M.D.Professor & Director, Center for Women’s Health Research, UW-Madison Madison, WI

Lisa A. H. CudahyCommunity Activist Mequon, WI

Marilyn Follen, RN, MSNCoordinator, Advance Care Planning, Marshfield Clinic

Jane Blain GilbertsonCEO & Owner, Blain’s Farm & Fleet and Blain Supply, Inc. Janesville, WI

Jake OrvilleGeneral Manager, Cleveland HeartLab, Quest Diagnostics

James RiordanRetired President and Chief Executive Officer Emeritus, WI Physicians Service Insurance

2018 Board of Directors 2017 Annual Report Available!

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The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) is a nonprofit organization that provides health services and

education for women and families. We have 5 statewide programs in all 72 Wisconsin counties, serving over 7,000

women each year. WWHF services and research initiatives are rooted in evidence-based prevention of the diseases and

conditions that most effect Wisconsin women’s wellness. Our mission is to innovate, impact, and improve women’s health.

about us

First Breath helps pregnant women quit

smoking by training healthcare providers

to deliver tobacco counseling.

The Susan G. Komen Wisconsin Breast

Cancer Assistance Fund provides

financial assistance for men and women

in need of breast health services.

My Baby & Me helps women achieve

alcohol-free pregnancies through

screenings, education, phone

counseling and text message support.

GrapeVine trains nurses to lead

health education sessions in

their communities.

FIRST BREATH MY BABY & ME

Our Programs

“It encourages you to make better decisions while pregnant and even after.”

– My Baby & Me participant

“You helped me in a very stressful and emotional time … thankfully my results were

good, but I never would have had that answer without your help.” – Komen Fund Recipient

“Wonderfully done program – good [health] info that needs to be spread.”

– GrapeVine participant

EveryWoman’s Journal teaches women to

use journaling as a tool for stress reduction

and self-care at workshops statewide.

EveryWoman's Journal

“I can write whatever I feel like – and this relieves tension, anger, and whatever creeps into life. Journaling is a personal outlet … I enjoy this writing every day.” – Jo

“I’ve been enrolled in the program and they become part of your family—a part of your life.” – Samantha

WISCONSIN WOMEN'S HEALTH FOUNDATION

The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation (WWHF) is a nonprofit organization

founded in 1997 that provides health services and education for women and families.

We have 6 statewide programs in all 72 counties, serving over 7,000 women each year.

WWHF services and research initiatives are rooted in evidence-based prevention of

the diseases and conditions that most affect Wisconsin women. 

Mission: Innovate, impact, and improve women's health

When we started down this path, we needed to

convince people that women's health was worth

looking at [...] There's still plenty of work to do, but the

field of women's health has made such progress. I’m

interested to see what health needs emerge next, and

how we can be part of solutions.

~ Sue Ann Thompson, WWHF Founder/President

2017 Annual Report

2503 Todd Drive,  Madison, WI 53713    •    608-251-1675     •    www.wwhf.org

The Foundation celebrated 20 years in 2017!

(left - 1997)  WWHF founded; (right - 2017)  Staff  at the Spring Gala.

See how your support helped the WWHF innovate, impact, and improve women’s health during the last year! A copy of the 2017 Annual Report can be found online at:

wwhf.org/about/annual-reports/

Innovate, Impact, Improve Women's Health 5 •

Interview with Dr. Skeer Continued–

WWHF: And your expertise is helping families learn these skills, correct?

Dr. Skeer: Parent-child communication is what I do! I have a

doctorate in public health and have worked in the field of substance

use and addiction for over 20 years. I’m a health communicator as

well. I help families translate hard topics into real life conversations

that are appropriate for the child’s age and development.

WWHF: You mention substance use and addiction. Clearly, there is a lot of discussion these days in the media surrounding opioids. What are some of the biggest threats you see to the well-being of kids?

Dr. Skeer: Opioids and other prescription drugs, definitely, but also

marijuana as we’re seeing it become legalized in more states and

perceived as “less risky” by kids. It’s also scary, because marijuana can

now be consumed via edibles and vaping, which are more discreet.

Parents and guardians need to have a particular level of vigilance –

they’re up against problems that they might not even recognize!

WWHF: You have two kids of your own, ages 10 and 7. Do you have conversations with them about substance use?

Dr. Skeer: Absolutely! What I talk about with parents, I talk about

with my own kids, and because this is my work, they probably know

more about substances than most teenagers! (laugh) As a parent,

you still worry about their safety, but I’ve been speaking to them for

many years and take advantage of every opportunity or curiosity to

have an open conversation.

WWHF: So it sounds like this isn’t just a “teen” issue, but something that can be addressed with kids at any age?

Dr. Skeer: Right. Again, early prevention is key, and it can be as

simple as having family meals together. More on that at the

Dialogue…

WWHF: Speaking of the Dialogue, what do you hope attendees will take away from your presentation?

Dr. Skeer: I hope they take away a greater understanding of not only

the importance of talking with their children, but a feeling of

confidence in doing it, using the strategies I’ll share.

WWHF: Well, I personally can’t wait to learn more! Thanks again for sharing some of your insight, and we look forward to hearing you speak at the Dialogue Event on October 11th in Madison!

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Register for the 2018 DialogueThursday, October 11, 2018 The Edgewater Hotel | 1000 Wisconsin Place | Madison, WI

The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation’s Annual Dialogue

is a moderated discussion with national experts discussing

complex issues related to the health of Wisconsin families. This

year, let’s discuss a major cause of stress for parents: how to

help our kids avoid dangers that can impact their future. We

will discuss the current opioid epidemic, how to prevent opioid

misuse, relationship violence, and real life solutions for moms and

families. Special Agent Heather Ryan and Dr. Margie Skeer will

give us tangible tips on how to discuss uncomfortable issues with

our kids, no matter what age.

8:00-8:30am: Registration & Networking

8:30-9:30am: Dr. Margie Skeer

9:30-10:30am: Special Agent Heather Ryan

https://www.wwhf.org/dialogue/The Dialogue is FREE and open to the public, advanced registration required.

Heather Ryan, MS Founder

Safe in the City

Margie Skeer, ScD, MPH, MSW Associate Professor of Public

Health & Community Medicine Tufts University

120+ Learn About Healthier, Happier Caregiving at the Gathering

On September 20th, we were joined by over 120 women

at the 17th Annual Gathering Event at Marshfield

Clinic Health System in Marshfield to discuss “Healthier,

Happier Caregiving.” There are over 40 million

caregivers in the United States, and that number will

continue to grow as our population ages. The Gathering

helped create a discussion about the health risks of

caregiving and the importance of self-care. Attendees

learned strategies for self-care and connected with

community resources to help them create a toolkit for

healthier, happier caregiving with their loved ones.

For full details and highlights, please visit our blog: wwhf.org/blog/

Need a Place to Keep Track of All These Great Events?

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Congratulations, Sofia S. Origanti, Ph.D.!Award: $20,000 (one year) to support Dr. Origanti in her development as a leader in breast cancer research.

Dr. Origanti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological

Sciences at Marquette University. Her research aims to explore the role

of eIF6 (a human gene) as a driver in the formation and progression of

human breast cancers.

What others are saying about Dr. Origanti -“She brings much needed cancer biology expertise, in terms of both teaching and research, to Marquette, and [her program] will contribute to cancer research needs in the Milwaukee region. She is an excellent role model to the women students at Marquette, and will be a proactive ambassador for [the WWHF] and an advocate for breast cancer research”

– Brian Volkman, Ph.D. Professor of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin

Nominate a Champion in Women’s Health

The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation is seeking nominations for individuals who have devoted their talents

and careers to improving the health of Wisconsin women. Past recipients have worked in the areas of Obstetrics &

Gynecology, Public Health, Nursing, Mammography, Addiction and more.

Do you know a Champion in Women’s Health? Nominate them today!

https://www.wwhf.org/champions/

Nominations Due by Midnight, Friday October 26th.Selected Champions will be awarded at a luncheon in their honor on April 27, 2019 at the Park Hotel in Madison, WI.

Remembering Teresa(Teri) E. Woods, Ph.D.

On August 22, 2018, women’s health lost

one of its greats when Teresa (Teri) Woods

passed away after a brief battle with Head

and Neck Cancer. A friend and supporter

of the WWHF, she helped us create the

2008 Report on Women’s Health, a

first-of-its kind report that targeted health

concerns for women in Wisconsin, and also

led the B-SMART program, a 10-week,

skills-based program that offered women

with breast cancer the tools they needed

to manage their stress. She was also a

2005 recipient of the WWHF Champions in

Women’s Health Awards.

Through her practice as a clinical

psychologist, she helped many people, but

her work reached far beyond the office

walls. Teri loved what she did, and the

women she worked with were just as

important to her as she was to them. Back

when Teri was helping us create the

Report on Women’s Health, she said this,

“Saving the lives of women is how we’ll

know [we’re] making a difference. The

message of hope, in addition to the

accessibility of science, are the two things

I am most excited about.”

We remember Teri for her passion,

dedication, and warmth, and we cherish

the opportunities we had to work with her.

partnership highlights

Redox is a leader in healthcare data technology.

Redox’s cloud-based platform serves as a centralized

hub for secure exchange of healthcare data.

Outcome: The WWHF is the first nonprofit recipient of the “Redox Gives” program, allowing for streamlined e-referrals directly from providers’ electronic medical records to the First Breath smoking cessation program.

WPS is a not-for-profit service insurance corporation

based in Madison, Wisconsin. WPS offers health

insurance plans for groups and individuals and benefit

plan administration for businesses.

Outcome: WPS donates work space to the WWHF, directly supporting our programs and mission. They are committed to our work to innovate, impact, and improve women’s health.

Teri leading women’s health education, 2005

Markos Family Breast Cancer Research Grant Recipient

“Funding from this grant will extend our work to explore the role of eIF6 […] I expect that in the

long-term, these exciting projects will lead to

significant discoveries.”

Innovate, Impact, Improve Women's Health 7 •

Driving Towards a Healthier WisconsinIt’s as easy as 1-2-3 with an official Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation

License Plate!

1. Request your official WWHF plate from the DMV.

2. Pay a $15 issuance fee (or annual personalized plate fee) and a $25 tax-deductible donation to the WWHF. *A regular registration fee may also be requested if your current plates expire within 3 months.

3. Enjoy your new plates as you proudly support women’s health!

https://www.wwhf.org/license-plates/

NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMadison, WI

PERMIT No. 1621

In This Issue:• Let’s Dialogue About

Difficult Family Conversations

• Nominate a Champion in Women’s Health

• Partnership Highlights

• Breast Cancer Research

2503 Todd Drive | Madison, WI 53713

800.448.5148 | wwhf.org

WWHF Mission

Women's Health

Impact,Improve

Innovate,