Women make nearly 80% of healthcare decisions within their families, yet many often overlook their own health.

Neglecting timely care can lead to severe consequences. Heart disease currently claims more female lives than cancer and stands as a significant concern for women’s health. In the Washington, DC region, maternal mortality rates rank among the nation’s highest. Conditions like endometriosis, which affect one in nine women, are frequently underdiagnosed.

And the situation is worsened when healthcare services become fragmented across various specialties—complicating the coordination of care.

The rising demand for women’s health services

In response to this demand and to make care easier to access, VHC Health opened the Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women’s Health on October 31. This state-of-the-art facility brings together specialists in breast health, maternal fetal medicine, OB/GYN, urogynecology and more. In addition, the Center is launching specialized clinics, including those for menopause and pelvic floor therapy, to ensure holistic patient care. The 26,000-square-foot Center is a testament to VHC Health’s unwavering commitment to women’s healthcare.

By centralizing key services, patients can access referrals without visiting multiple locations. In many instances, appointments with specialists can be scheduled on the same day, thus enhancing the accessibility and coordination of care.

Designed by a dedicated team of female physicians, the Center for Women’s Health embodies an integrated care model. Its development is influenced by feedback from our female patients, the forethought of VHC Health’s leadership, and, crucially, the generous contributions of our community donors.

How philanthropy elevates the Center for Women’s Health

VHC Health is steadfast in its mission to enhance local health services. The philanthropic support will assist in securing essential equipment such as ultrasound machines, ambient ceiling tiles for a calming environment, and comfortable recliner chairs for patients.

The initiatives at VHC Health, particularly the establishment of the Center for Women’s Health, underscore the importance of always putting patients first.

Since 2019, VHC Health has seen a 94% increase in health encounters by female patients spanning primary, gynecology, obstetrics, cardiology, maternal fetal medicine and breast care.