Hispanics are the fastest growing American

population group; by 2020, one-third of all

clinical caseloads will be composed of minori-

ties, particularly Hispanics. To ensure the

unique health needs of Hispanic women are

addressed, AWHONN published a culturally

relevant version of its efficacious women’s

health guide, Every Woman: The Essential Guide

for Healthy Living, entitled Toda Mujer: La Guía

Esencial Para Una Vida Saludable. Since 2000,

more than 3.5 million copies of Every Woman

have been given to women by nurses at no

charge. In April 2004, AWHONN distributed

500,000 copies of Toda Mujer to nurses for

Hispanic women.

Toda Mujer presents evidence-based

women’s health information within priority

issues including cardiovascular health, diabetes,

obesity/weight management, menopause,

breast health, contraception, pelvic health and

more. To promote acceptance, Toda Mujer was

adapted and translated from Every Woman by

native, bilingual Hispanic advanced-practice

nurses. To promote respect, translators used

formal versus familiar Spanish; Mexican-

Spanish (most prevalent in the United States)

was chosen to promote understanding. To

overcome health disparities regarding insur-

ance, advice for health promotion and self-care

was included. Honoring Hispanic family-cen-

tered health care decision making, text and

images throughout the guide emphasize multi-

generational bonds. As AWHONN monitors

the distribution and effect of this 100-page

guide, it will be important to track whether

positive health changes are noted by nurses

among Hispanic women receiving the guide, as

such changes have been observed by nurses

among women using Every Woman for health

care decision making.

AWHONN 2004 ConventionShatters Status Quo

“When I go home, at night I know that

I made a difference in someone’s

life. I know that all of you, as registered nurses,

feel that, too.” With these words, Association of

Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurs-

es (AWHONN) President Debra Hobbins,

MSN, APRN, NP, welcomed more than 2,500

attendees to AWHONN’s 2004 Annual Con-

vention in Tampa, FL, in June.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, AWHONN

invited participants to Challenge the Status

Quo. New session designs, such as learning labs

and journal clubs, offered participants a break

from the usual conference lecture format.

Interwoven with preconference workshops,

expert lectures, and networking breakfasts,

innovative formats provided participants with

opportunities to practice heart and lung assess-

ment skills, create a “medicine bundle” in the

tradition of Native American healers, or partic-

ipate in thought-provoking journal clubs

focusing on groundbreaking articles in the

fields of women’s health, childbearing, new-

born health and nursing practice.

AWHONN has been long respected for its

significant role in maternal child health. Partic-

ipants at the convention underscored the

group’s unique role in promoting the health of

women throughout the lifespan and relevance

for all nurses who care and advocate for

women, newborns and families. Attendees had

the choice of sessions in AWHONN’s four key

focus areas: women’s health, childbearing, new-

born care and professional issues, with special-

ty sessions focusing on advanced nursing prac-

tice and pharmacology.

Plan now to attend the AWHONN 2005

Conference, The Power of Nursing, scheduled

for June 11-15, 2005, in Salt Lake City, UT. For

more information, go to www.awhonn.org and

click on “News and Events.”

AWHONN Honors Its FinestAmong Nurses

Lavender Honored forDistinguished Professional Service

AWHONN has conferred its highest hon-

or, the AWHONN Distinguished Profes-

sional Service Award, upon Martha Griffith

Lavender, RN, MSN, DSN, for her commit-

ment, diligence, excellence and unparalleled

contributions to the association and to the

nursing profession. The award was presented at

AWHONN’s annual convention.

Dr. Lavender is the Deputy Program Man-

ager for Training for EAI Corporation at the

Center for Domestic Preparedness, U.S.

Plan now to attend

the AWHONN 2005

Conference, The

Power of Nursing,

scheduled for June

11-15, 2005, in Salt

Lake City, UT

October | November 2004 AWHONN Lifelines 461