Cleveland Clinic has introduced its Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center, committed to supporting women beyond midlife with specialized care. Prioritizing access, connectivity, education, and research, the center empowers women on their health journey. Maria Shriver will serve as the Center’s chief visionary and strategic advisor. This new role at Cleveland Clinic will allow her to continue the conversation and change the story around women’s health.
“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 seeks to provide care for the whole woman for her whole life, providing specialty care in behavioral health, breast health, cardiovascular care, infant and maternal health, endocrinology and weight management, menopause, osteoporosis and metabolic bone density, disease prevention, healthy aging and more. It will also house the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement Prevention and Research Center, which will expand from its current home in Nevada to serve patients in Ohio as well.
Midlife is a pivotal for a woman’s health and care. Census data shows over 63 million women in the U.S. are aged 50 or above, with approximately 6,000 entering menopause daily. Moreover, CDC reports 80% of women over 55 have at least one chronic condition, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive medical services.
“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 Beri Ridgeway, M.D., 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.”
To address this colossal need, the Women’s Comprehensive Health and Research Center is implementing strategies to streamline appointments, bolster outreach, and promote health equity, including support groups and online resources and dedicated patient navigators to provide guidance and advocacy. Research and innovation tailored to women in midlife are central to the Center’s mission.
This world class center will bring us one step closer to uncovering why women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other medical conditions.