Each year, over a million women suffer through the journey of menopause. This natural transition brings physical and emotional changes that can deeply affect a woman's overall well-being, relationships, and quality of life. Yet too many women go through it alone, suffering in silence without access to the health information, care, or support they need.

Research shows that racial and ethnic disparities exist in the way women of color experience their menopausal transition and the care they receive throughout. For example, the early onset of menopause—more common among Black and Hispanic women—has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease later in life. Despite its widespread impact, menopause remains under-researched, underfunded, and widely misunderstood.

Menopause isn’t just a woman's health issue. It impacts families and the broader community and is influenced by individual, social and community level factors. Thus, making menopause an important public health issue needing attention. As part of UConn Gives 2025, UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) created, Real Talk: Breaking the Silence on Menopause, a community-centered series of events designed to foster open conversations and create a safe and supportive space for those affected by menopause and their loved ones who support them.

With the support of our trusted partners, the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity; the Farmington Valley Links, Inc.; UConn Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP); and the Aurora Foundation for Women and Girls, Real Talk is bringing together women across Connecticut to ignite intergenerational conversations that will lead to meaningful recommendations for healthcare providers, grounded in the real experiences and needs of women navigating menopause.

When you give to UConn Gives and support Real Talk, you are:

•  Increasing awareness about menopause and its impact on women's health
• Expanding access to essential health information on menopause
• Reducing healthcare inequities by helping providers better understand women's real
  experiences and deliver care tailored to the unique needs of those in perimenopause,
  menopause, and post menopause
• Advancing research that centers racial and ethnic disparities to create more inclusive,
  equitable healthcare solutions
• Taking a stand for gender equity in healthcare across our state

Join us in making a difference in the lives of women across our state. Donate today and share our story with your network. Together, we can break the silence around menopause.

1. To give click the button below or go to : https://giving.uconn.edu/uconn-gives-2025/
2. Click: GIVE NOW!
3. Under Area of Support type in: Health Disparities Institute's Research, Practice, Policy & Advocacy.

Be a Champion

On July 25th, 2024, Director of the Health Disparities Institute, Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez along with Chimére Sweeney, founder and director of The Black Long Covid Experience were interviewed by The Washington Post Live to discuss the looming effects of Long Covid and the challenges people of color and marginalized communities face in the health care system.

Dr. Sprague Martinez shares her research on long covid and the impacts on communities of color. Dr. Sprague Martinez shares in nine of the 11 focus groups conducted not in the English language, folks hadn't heard of the term "long covid." Meanwhile, those in the English language focus groups had heard of "long covid," despite not being a part of their everyday language.

Our HDI Director also shared the hardship patients of colors face to get a proper diagnosis or be seen by a provider. Dr. Sprague Martinez shares "It's hard, because you have to continue to educate yourself. And in some ways, you know, it's a burden, because you're doing the job of the medical community." 

Check out clips of the interview or listen to the podcast now from The Washington Post Live!

Clips: https://x.com/PostLive/status/1816470453998719352
Video: https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/07/25/looming-public-health-challenge-long-covid/
Podcast Episode: https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/post-live/the-looming-public-health-challenge-of-long-covid/
Transcript of Episode: https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/07/25/transcript-long-covid-where-things-stand/

The UConn Health Disparities Institute (HDI) was contracted by the CT Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health to conduct a community-based participatory research (CBPR) and planning process. We are recruiting a team of community research advisors who will be trained in CBPR and work with HDI researchers to carry out a statewide racial equity assessment.

Please share this short-term paid opportunity with individuals in your network who have experienced racism and are interested in advancing research in racial equity. Your assistance in sharing this information is greatly appreciated.

You will find attached detailed information in English and Spanish about the position and instructions on applying. Applications are due March 27th, 2024.

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or have questions, please contact Valen Diaz at vdiaz@uchc.edu or 860-679-7624. HDI will also host a series of virtual open houses that anyone can attend to learn more about this opportunity. See the attached description for dates, times, and how to join. Thank you.

El Instituto de Disparidades en Salud (Health Disparities Institute, HDI) de la UConn fue contratado por la Comisión de Equidad Racial en Salud Pública de Connecticut (CT Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health) para llevar a cabo una investigación participativa basada en la comunidad (community-based participatory research, CBPR) y un proceso de planificación. Estamos reclutando un equipo de asesores de investigación comunitaria que recibirán capacitación en CBPR y trabajarán con investigadores del HDI para llevar a cabo una evaluación de equidad racial en todo el estado.

Comparta esta oportunidad remunerada a corto plazo con personas en su red que tengan experiencia en racismo y estén interesadas en promover la investigación sobre equidad racial. Agradecemos enormemente su ayuda para compartir esta información.

Adjunto encontrará información detallada en inglés y español sobre el puesto e instrucciones para presentar su postulación. Las postulaciones deben entregarse a más tardar el 27 de marzo de 2024.

Si le interesa obtener más información sobre esta oportunidad o tiene preguntas, comuníquese con Valen Diaz at vdiaz@uchc.edu o 860-679-7624. El HDI también organizará una serie de actividades abiertas virtuales abiertas al público para brindar más información sobre esta oportunidad. Vea la descripción adjunta para conocer las fechas, horas y cómo participar. Gracias.