Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring May 10-16, 2026, as Women’s Health Week in Rockville, Maryland
end
Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read, approve, and present proclamation to Abayomi Walker, Registered Nurse Practitioner.
Discussion
National Women’s Health Week (NWHW) is a weeklong health observance led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH). The week of Mother’s Day,
May 10-16, 2026, serves as a reminder for women and girls to make their health a priority and take care of themselves. It is extremely important for all women and girls, especially those with underlying health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and women 65 years and older, to take care of their health now. It is also very important for women to practice self-care and to take care of their mental health and well-being.
National Women's Health Week is a nationwide effort by an alliance of government organizations to raise awareness about manageable steps women can take to improve their health. The focus is on the importance of incorporating simple preventive and positive health behaviors into everyday life. During National Women's Health Week, women should discuss with their health care professionals which of the tests are right for them, when they should have them, and how often. Maintaining regular check-ups is one of five healthy habits that can improve a woman's health. The others include physical activity, a healthy diet, not smoking, and following general safety rules.
The theme for Women’s Health Week USA 2026 is “Women’s Health 2.0 - The Era of Scale.”
What does this theme represent:
The 2026 theme signals a major shift in the women’s health sector. According to the Women’s Health Week USA announcement, the field is entering a new phase where:
• Innovators are moving from building to scaling solutions,
• Investors are increasing activity, and
• Corporate partners are making deeper strategic commitments.
This reflects a broader momentum across the women’s health ecosystem, emphasizing growth, investment, and expansion of impactful health innovations.
Women are encouraged to support one another in all aspects of health and wellness by way of spreading the word, forming groups, and conducting individual checks on younger, middle, and older women.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.