June 13, 2003

MGH honors community women as role models of good health

A marathon runner with multiple sclerosis, a North End resident who organizes holiday benefits for needy families, a cancer survivor who helps senior citizens stay healthy — these three women are among seven community residents honored by the MGH as "role models of good health."

More than 500 area women gathered May 29, for the third annual "Celebrating Women: Leading a Vibrant, Healthy Life" event presented by MGH Community Health Associates.

Participants gathered information and engaged in discussions on a variety of women's health issues — including heart disease, menopause, cancer, diabetes, nutrition, depression, smoking cessation and child safety. MGH physicians and nurse practitioners were available to answer questions. Information tables offered blood pressure screenings, massage and Reiki therapy sessions.

WBZ-TV News 4 medical consultant and MGH Chelsea physician Mallika Marshall, MD, presented the Celebrating Women Award to women from Charlestown, Chelsea, Everett, Winthrop, the North End, the Back Bay and Revere. The women were chosen by their community health centers.

The event is coordinated by MGH Community Health Associates and MGH Community HealthCare Centers and led by Eileen Manning, RN, BS. Manning was recognized by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers June 6 with the Outstanding Community Health Center Employee Award for her efforts to prevent cancer deaths through the Breast and Cervical Screening Collaborative, which provides free mammograms and Pap tests to uninsured women. Above, from left, Mary Ellen Heike, RN, of MGH Patient Care Services, Manning and Anne Richmond of MGH Community Health Associates.