Cuyahoga County will soon have a better way for women to find all their healthcare options

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne announced Tuesday he is creating a Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Advisory Council.

The council will be composed of 13 members and support women’s access to a full range of healthcare options.

According to Ronayne, the council would “act as a resource for information, create recommendations for allocating grant funding related to women’s health issues, and provide advice and recommendations regarding funding of programs designed to support better access to women’s healthcare.”

“Because we have a crisis in women’s health in Cuyahoga County, especially for women of color, we need to ensure that every woman has access to a full range of health care options and that we put in place the social supports that will improve their health and wealth. I look forward to working with the County Executive, the County Council and an array of partners to give women from across our community a seat at the table and a real voice as we strive to eliminate health disparities,” said Dr. Airica Steed, President and Chief Executive Officer, The MetroHealth System.

The Women’s Health Advisory Council will be appointed in October.

“As leaders, we must protect women’s rights to full, comprehensive medical services,” said Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Meredith Turner. “Cleveland is the second-worst city for health outcomes for Black women. The creation of this Council will help us ensure that women of color are listened to and not left behind when it comes to matters of healthcare. I applaud the creation of this critical group.”

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