Recognizing May 2026 as "National Women's Health Month" in the State of Rhode Island

WHEREAS, The health and well-being of women are essential to strong families, healthy communities, and the continued prosperity of Rhode Island and the nation, and promoting women’s health benefits people of all ages and future generations; and

WHEREAS, National Women’s Health Month is observed each year during the month of May, opening with Women’s Health Week on Mother’s Day, centered in 2026 on the theme, “Prevention, Innovation and Impact, A New Era in Women’s Health,” reflecting the growing commitment to proactive, science-based, coordinated and patient-centered health care for women and girls; and

WHEREAS, The observance of National Women’s Health Month encourages women and girls to prioritize their physical, mental and emotional well-being and to promote awareness of the unique health challenges and opportunities affecting women throughout every stage of life; and

WHEREAS, Advances in medical research continue to improve our understanding of the factors that shape women’s health across their lifespans, including the impacts of puberty, pregnancy, menopause and aging on women’s overall health; and

WHEREAS, Research further demonstrates how women may experience symptoms of disease differently than men, and respond differently to medications and treatments, underscoring the importance of sex-specific study, and personalized, evidence-based health care; and

WHEREAS, Prevention and early detection remain among the most effective tools for improving long-term health outcomes, reducing the risk of chronic illness, while regular health screenings, annual exams and timely medical interventions can help identify serious conditions before they become life-threatening; and

WHEREAS, Healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, restorative sleep, reduced stress and self-care are among the most effective ways to improve overall health outcomes for women and girls; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes May 2026 as “National Women’s Health Month” in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Daniel J. McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Department of Health.