Eliminating Health Disparities in Women’s Health in Puerto Rico

Introduction. Hispanic women in Puerto Rico share health concerns that affect women generally, and suffer disproportionately from some health concerns relative to non-Hispanic women. The University of Puerto Rico Women’s Health Center contributes to the promotion of women’s health by developing sustainable preventive services, designing programs according to women’s needs, and creating awareness of sex/gender differences in health and disease. Initiatives. A longitudinal breast cancer early detection clinic was developed and a community screening campaign was coordinated. Focus groups were conducted. A course on sex/gender considerations in research was developed and offered. Outcomes. Access to early detection of breast cancer was provided through an annual on-campus clinic and a community screening campaign. A breast cancer support group resulted from focus group recommendations. Health professionals from diverse disciplines participated in a course on sex/gender considerations in research. Conclusions. Synergistic efforts towards eliminating disparities in women’s health from an academic perspective provide a valuable tool for the promotion of health among Hispanic women living in Puerto Rico.