Wisconsin Healthiest Women Initiative: A collaborative approach to improving women's health from the Lifecourse perspective

Background: In recent years, a new paradigm in public health has developed: a shift toward 1) the lifecourse model, which emphasizes the comprehensive and cumulative dimensions of health, and 2) collaboration across systems of care to address social and economic health determinants. This new paradigm could have significant positive impacts on the health of women and the way in which public health strategies are developed. Methods: The purpose of the Wisconsin Healthiest Women Initiative [WHWI] is to identify and implement strategies that will improve the health of women and men of reproductive age and will reduce disparities in birth outcomes. Key stakeholders reviewed Wisconsin data on women's health as compared to U.S. data and then identified priority focus areas and strategies that can be implemented across public and private health care systems in the state. In 2011, three forums were convened to discuss the current status of women's health and opportunities for improvement. Stakeholders determined that Wisconsin should target the following two public health areas to improve women's health: 1) sexual health and pregnancy planning, and 2) the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health. Conclusion: Efforts to complete the WHWI Statewide Framework for Action are underway and include feedback and information gathering meetings around the state. WHWI leadership believe the Framework for Action and related website will help elevate the discussion of women's health in Wisconsin and will support creative solutions and partnerships to promote protective factors and mitigate risk factors over the course of a woman's life.