Prioritizing women’s health; recognizing the differences between men and women

There’s no doubt, when it comes to health, that men and women are different. For this reason, unique approaches are needed when it comes to preventing, diagnosing, treating and caring for women.

With this in mind, the SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Growing Women’s Health program believes in the importance of supporting women’s health charities that focus on these differences and strive to empower women to make their health a priority. Now in its 17th year, the initiative supports more than 500 unique local women’s health charities each year in cities and towns across Canada, ranging from women’s shelters to breast cancer groups to hospices and hospital foundations.

“Women don’t always put themselves first, but they should, which is why we’ve chosen to focus on supporting charitable organizations that work tirelessly to provide services, resources and programing to help meet the needs of Canadian women,” says Lisa Gibbs, Director of Community Investment at Shoppers Drug Mart.

North York General Hospital is just one of the charities being supported this year.

“At North York General Hospital, donations made through Shoppers Drug Mart will support the NYGH Women’s Health Innovation Fund, which gives front line staff at NYGH the opportunity to create programs that will impact and improve how women in our community experience different types of care at our hospital,” says Terry Pursell, President and CEO of North York General Foundation.

Breast health is another critical priority for women across the country, which is why SHOPPERS LOVE. YOU. Growing Women’s Health supports programs like the CIBC Breast Assessment Centre at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre in Hamilton and The Ottawa Hospital Rose Ages Breast Health Centre. Both organizations use the funds donated to provide women in the community with access to cutting-edge technology.

“One of the unique aspects of this program is that pharmacist owners and their teams have the ability to select a women’s health cause that resonates strongly within their community. Donors can feel good about making a difference where they live,” says Gibbs. “This year’s goal is to raise $3.2 million.”