Project WISE (women's initiative for safety and empowerment)

African American women continue to fare worse than white women in terms of health status, rates of disability, as well as mortality and morbidity. The “weathering framework” also known as the Sojourner- Syndrome, suggests that life experiences of African American women historically, have included an accumulation of racial inequality; social, political, and economic exclusion, and medical under-service. It is also suggested that these effects are greatest among the emerging female adults (women between the ages of 18 – 24 years). These inequities and health disparities decrease access to resources and heighten susceptibility to psychological stress and premature stress-related illness. For come conditions, disparities are growing, despite new technologies and other advances that have been made in recent years. Among the female emerging adult population, HIV/AIDS and intimate partner violence are growing concerns. Recent research suggests that multiple HIV risk exposure is correlated with levels of physical violence. Project Wise (Women's Initiative for Safety and Empowerment) is a multi-disciplinary/mutli-level health and wellness initiative for women attending a Historically Black Institution. The primary goal of this initiative is to address the overall health and well-being of women, with a special emphasis on sexual and reproductive health and intimate partner violence. Project WISE provides health education and promotion activities that address the health of women to support wellness, healthy life choices, and behavior change. Women gain access to creditable information regarding critical women's health issues. Gender specific, women friendly, and culturally appropriate health education and empowering activities are delivered.