Wisconsin Health News

2016 WAWH women’s health leader awardees announced

Women of Courage, Character and Commitment to be Honored at the 7th WI Women’s Health Policy Summit

Madison – The Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health (WAWH) is proud to announce the recipients of the2016 WAWH Women’s Health Leader Awards.  The three honorees will be recognized at our 7th Annual Wisconsin Women’s Health Policy Summit on Tuesday, March 15th at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts in Milwaukee.  Event information can be found at www.wiawh.org/wwhps.

The 2016 Woman of Courage Award will be presented to Erin Thornley Parisi, Executive Director of the Rape Crisis Center of Dane County.  She was nominated for her three decades of work to help end sexual violence in Wisconsin and her commitment to improving diversity and inclusion in the anti-sexual assault movement. Her nomination included the following testimony:

“Erin’s work has changed the landscape for woman and girls who are sexually assaulted in Wisconsin.  Her commitment to the health and well-being of women and girls, specifically in the area of sexual assault, seems to have no end.”

The 2016 Woman of Character Award will be presented to Dr. Katherine O’Rourke, Founder and Executive Director of the Share the Health Free Gynecology Clinic in Madison.   She was nominated to recognize the work she has done while in her medical residency to open a free clinic to offer uninsured patients compassionate, quality, lifesaving care.  Her nomination included the following testimony:

“Wisconsin is forever changed for the better through Katherine’s unparalleled commitment to women’s health with compassionate focus and energy to serve low resource women in need of life changing gynecologic procedures.”

The 2016 Woman of Commitment Award will be presented to Gwen Perry-Brye, Kenosha County Division of Health Clinical Services Director.  She was nominated in recognition of her long career helping to improve access to health care for women and girls in Wisconsin. Her nomination included the following testimony:

“Gwen has a passion and commitment for caring for those most vulnerable citizens in our society.  She demonstrates outstanding leadership by collaborating with community partners and challenging the movement to address the existing health disparities to improve health outcomes.” 

To learn more about these amazing women’s health leaders, link to: http://wiawh.org/who-we-are/wawh-womens-heath-leader-awards/.

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The mission of the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health (WAWH) is advance comprehensive women’s health in Wisconsin by engaging, educating, empowering and mobilizing individuals and organizations. To learn more about WAWH, visit our website: www.supportwomenshealth.org

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