Cervical Cancer Prevention Works: Using the union network to reach members with health information

The Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), the only national organization representing union women, has had long-term involvement in advocating for women's health issues. Although the overwhelming majority of union members have health insurance, many are not being reached with health-related information that encourages them to use their health benefits proactively.

Using extensive and well-established communications networks that exist within organized labor, CLUW proposed to reach union members with relevant health information to assess whether unions are a viable mechanism for changing knowledge, attitudes and behavior regarding women's health issues.

In 2005, CLUW created ‘Cervical Cancer Prevention Works' (CCPW) to raise union awareness about human papillomavirus (HPV) and its link to cervical cancer, as well as methods on how to prevent it. CCPW worked within the union structure, as well as through strategic outside partnerships, to present the topic at various workshops and conferences, within union newsletters and websites, and through peer educator trainings across the country.

From 2005 to 2007, CCPW reached more than two million union members. Resulting actions include increased knowledge about HPV, cervical cancer and prevention methods; increased participation in cervical cancer screening behaviors, including Pap and HPV testing; and political involvement in increasing access for all women to new HPV technologies.

CCPW showed that existing networks and media outlets within the union community are effective means to reach union members about health issues. Improved health behaviors and empowerment around a health issue can result from proper communication, educational outreach and advocacy.