CLEVELAND — Cleveland Clinic launched its Women's Comprehensive Health and Research Center, the hospital system announced Wednesday.
The hospital system said the center aims to help "women during midlife and beyond thrive and easily receive the specialized care they need."
The center focuses on four key areas: access, connectivity, education and research and innovation.
U.S. Census Bureau data shows more than 63 million women in the U.S. are 50 years of age and older, and around 6,000 women enter menopause each day. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows 80% of women aged 55 and older have at least one chronic condition, such as arthritis, asthma and cancer.
“Midlife is an important milestone and a time to empower women to address health issues and focus on future health. Taking a holistic approach, including menopausal and hormonal health, reproductive health, mental health, chronic conditions and preventive care, is critical to optimize health outcomes,” said Dr. Beri Ridgeway, chief of staff at Cleveland Clinic. “Our priority is to help women in this stage of life make educated decisions about their health and have access to the services they need to thrive, while also feeling seen, heard and supported.”
The Cleveland Clinic said Maria Shriver, who is the founder of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement Prevention and Research Center at Cleveland Clinic, is going to serve as chief visionary and strategic adviser of the center.
“I’ve always believed our nation needed a first-class comprehensive women’s health center, and now we have one,” said Shriver. “Over the past several years, I’ve been honored to work alongside so many talented and passionate doctors at Cleveland Clinic to bring this vision to life. This is a place for women at every stage of life where they will feel seen, will get the research they need, and the care they deserve, from their brains to their bones. I am thrilled that today the WAM Prevention and Research Center expands, as it deserves to.”
The new center will have specialty care for behavioral health, breast health, cardiovascular care, center for infant and maternal health, endocrinology and weight management, menopause, osteoporosis and metabolic bone density, wellness and disease prevention, healthy aging, and the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement prevention and research center, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The Cleveland Clinic Women's Comprehensive Health and Research Center is now seeing patients in Ohio and Michigan, and plans to expand to Florida in the future. More information can be found on the Cleveland Clinic's website.