Women in today's busy society suffer from major health risk factors such as high blood cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, depression and inactivity. Studies indicate Hispanic and Native American women are at greater risk than Caucasian women of these risk factors, which in turn lead to higher rates of disability and early death in minority women. How women care for themselves effects their families, their children and our community's future. El Rio Health Centers Women's Wellness Project was developed with a grant from the Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Women's and Children's Health in the spring of 2003. The program provides health education and exercise to women between the ages of 15-44 years who live in the Sunnyside Unified School District. The District's South Tucson neighborhoods are home predominantly to minorities and reported among the most socio-economically stressed in the city of Tucson.

El Rio is sensitive to the needs of these women who reside in medically underserved areas and who face various barriers to care. Participation and on-site childcare is free of charge and classes are held in facilities within the participant's neighborhood, such as Sunnyside District schools,  like El Pueblo Neighborhood Center. and local community centers. The need and proven demand for El Rio's Women's Wellness Project is reflected in the number of participants. To date approximately 1000 women have enrolled.

• 90% are Hispanic, 5% are Native American
• 65% are married, 30% single and/or divorced
• 80% are mothers
• 49% are unemployed, 44% are employed
• 49% are without health insurance

The success of the program is shown in the number of women who are developing health related life skills, knowledge and regiments that will continue to benefit them, their families, their children, and our community as they lead healthier, happier lives.

Currently, the Women's Wellness program has Programs in progress. If you are interested in learning more about the El Rio Women's Wellness Project, becoming a participant or making a donation to support this worthwhile initiative, please call 250-0539.