SCH Makes Way for New Women’s Health Center

Swedish Covenant Hospital began construction of a new Women’s Health Center that will provide women with a health care experience unlike any other in the city. The Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center, scheduled to open in fall 2014, will offer a full-range of services and resources in one location. The new center is the cornerstone of the Women’s Health Initiative, which is designed to break down barriers to accessing health care and provide every woman in our community with high-quality, convenient health care.A campaign to support the Women’s Health Initiative is underway, led by Co-Chairs Paul Hawkinson and Audrey Silver, and Honorary Chair Jack Rosenberg. Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation has raised $2.4 million of its $5 million fundraising goal for the project.“We are humbled by the generous support of our donor community, which has contributed $2.4 million towards this project and others that will benefit the lives of women throughout our community,” said Jennifer Tscherney, executive director of the Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation. “Thanks to their support, our ambitious goal of raising $5 million is well within reach.”Construction is beginning to transform the fourth floor of Galter Medical Pavilion into a place that will provide every woman in our community with high-quality, convenient health care that addresses their unique needs. Campaign leadership dropped in to lend a hand with a ceremonial wall-breaking.“As we break ground for the Women’s Health Center at Swedish Covenant Hospital, we ask that this be a hallowed ground, a place where women can come and trust that they will receive excellent care in a safe and secure environment,” Rev. José M. La Luz, director of pastoral care, said during the blessing of the space.The Mayora Rosenberg Women’s Health Center is a comprehensive facility created with guidance from physician and community advisory boards comprised of women of diverse backgrounds. The center will feature flexible appointment times, accommodations for children and private consultation rooms. The initiative also includes a Health Resource Center that aims to increase health literacy among women in our community and an Access and Education program that will provide care coordination and expand access to health care information and services. One of the emerging needs to be addressed through the Access and Education Program is the issue of violence against women. While Swedish Covenant Hospital is certified as a sexual assault treatment center, through additional staff training, the hospital will be better able to help identify and provide resources for victims of human trafficking.