EHS celebrates Women’s Health Week with fair focused on healing, stigma reduction

Not even gray skies and steady rain could keep women and expectant mothers from gathering in support of their health and one another during Episcopal Health Services’ (EHS) annual Women’s Health Fair, held Tuesday, May 14, at the EHS Clinical Learning Center in Far Rockaway.

Themed “Let’s Talk About It: Reducing Women’s Health Stigma. Happiness Starts with Good Health,” the event was part of National Women’s Health Week and brought together dozens of community partners to offer free services, resources, and support aimed at breaking the stigma around women’s health care.

Donald T. Morrish, MD. MMM, (left), Chief Executive Officer of EHS and Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair of OBGYN are pictured with Victoria Serrano, who is representing Far Rockaway in the Miss USA New York competition.Photos courtesy of Episcopal Health Services

“This is a very monumental event for us all at EHS,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, Chief Executive Officer at EHS. “Women are truly the anchors of our families, and supporting their health is our responsibility in every aspect – whether it’s through access to quality medical care, nutritional support, behavioral health services, or dedicated care from doulas. It’s a holistic approach, and as an obstetrician, I’m especially proud to be part of it.”

Members of EHS’ Dietary Team (from left): Allana Ellis, Charlene Cartagena, Charwin Reid, Jaden Cordero, and Aliyah Williams provided a delicious assortment of food, offering a sneak peek of the culinary delights that will be available to expectant mothers when EHS’ new LDRP suite opens.

The fair featured an array of services focused on physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Attendees had access to health screenings, group support sessions, educational materials, massage and aromatherapy stations, and giveaways of essential items like diapers and menstrual products. The St. John’s ICARE Foundation partnered with the Allied Foundation to distribute free supplies to attendees.

“Today is about connection, care, and conversation,” said Jacqueline Marecheau, MD, FACOG, Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology at EHS. “It’s about asking questions, getting answers, and making sure every woman feels seen, heard, and supported.”

Expectant mom Alexis Small (right) received information from a representative of Healthfirst at the event.Photos courtesy of Episcopal Health Services

In addition to highlighting the importance of ongoing support for women’s health, EHS announced the forthcoming opening of a new state-of-the-art Labor, Delivery, Recovery, and Postpartum (LDRP) suite at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, scheduled to open in summer 2025.

The fair was made possible through the support of numerous local organizations, including the Allied Foundation, Bazalel Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, CABS Health Network, Emblem Health, Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center, Public Health Solutions, St. John’s ICARE Foundation, Love Nana, Jewish Community Council of the Rockaway Peninsula, Healthfirst, God’s Love We Deliver, Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services, Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation and The Arch App.