On May 24, we hosted our Women's Leadership Initiative (WLI) Luncheon at the Cedar Rapids Country Club. It was a great opportunity to bring together community leaders, nonprofit partners, and WLI members who are all passionate about women's healthcare needs.
"Being part of the WLI Steering Committee has been not only rewarding and a much needed mission in our community, but also lots of fun! It is a committee where no one wants their service to come to an end! Some of my best friendships have come out of working with great ladies on the Steering Committee. I am proud of the growth we have had in members and money raised. It's truly an honor to have served as WLI Chair this past year."
—Teri Copler, WLI Chair
Supply drive donations served as centerpieces at the luncheon. After the event, WLI's partners received these items for their clients.Attendees heard from guest speaker and WLI member, Julienne McNally, about how WLI funds helped her daughter, Kimber, during a difficult pregnancy. Next, former UWECI CEO and a founding member of WLI, Lois Buntz, served as moderator for the panel discussion and Q&A. The panel consisted of our three women's health partners Area Substance Abuse Council, Community Health Free Clinic, and Eastern Iowa Health Center who shared client stories from their WLI-funded programs.
Together with these health partners, WLI members made a difference for more than 2,600 women last year. Local uninsured or under-insured women received more than 8,000 services thanks to WLI funding:
- 7,545 prescriptions filled for women
- 954 women received screenings and care coordination
- 489 women received dental services
- 340 women received medical co-pay assistance
- 209 bus passes to healthcare appointments
If you'd like to become a WLI member or learn more about their mission, read more here or email Carole at carole.dzingle@uweci.org.
Save the date: WLI will host its annual Power of the Purse event on Thursday, August 3. All proceeds from will benefit women's health programs. Learn more, register, or donate a purse by visiting our Power of the Purse page.