If you are in any online space these days (and, let’s face it, most of us spend a lot of time there), you know that the conversation about women’s health has taken a turn. Gone are the days when women would accept misdiagnosis of menopausal symptoms or be considered “too complicated” for research and scientific study. Women are now at the forefront of fighting for better care, and Hancock Health is here to stand right alongside them.

Women are the backbone of their communities and, when they are cared for, those communities flourish. At Hancock Health, we are doing everything we can to ensure women have care that meets high expectations and quality standards while remaining compassionate and person-centric. We want to ensure that the women of Hancock County feel taken care of in every season of life and we do that through comprehensive care for the mind, body and soul. 

Learn more about how we are actively working within our health system and our wider community to ensure women have access to the best care possible.

Our women’s clinic, funded by the Hancock Health Foundation, serves at-risk, uninsured or underinsured women who meet income guidelines through various programs and services. The clinic provides a variety of essential services, including: mammograms, breast and pelvic ultrasounds, breast MRIs and biopsies, pap and pelvic exams, hormone replacement therapy, birth control counseling and non-surgical gynecologic issues. 

The clinic operates on a part-time basis and is staffed by an experienced nurse practitioner and clinic coordinator, both overseen by a gynecologist. The clinic is open to all women, both insured and uninsured. 

All of our OB/GYN providers are passionate about hearing your voice, learning your story, supporting you in your goals and giving you the care you need to make your best health possible. Services go beyond routine exams and include STD testing, pregnancy testing, cervical screening, family planning, sexual health consultation and help with changes brought on by menopause – supporting your health and wellbeing through every stage of life. 

Getting proper preventative care is important for every woman, not just those who can afford it. This program allows women who meet age, income, and insurance guidelines the opportunity to have a pap test, pelvic exam, and a mammogram. It’s sponsored by the Indiana State Department of Health and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with additional support from Hancock Health Foundation. 

Women who have access to preventative screenings for breast cancer are more likely to detect the disease early, giving them a better chance of survival. “Statistics state 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. With that being said, early detection is key and the best way is to begin yearly screening mammograms at age 40 (sooner if you have any breast changes/concerns),” says Nicole Richmond, a mammographer at the James T. Anderson Center for Women’s Heath. “We stress the importance of monthly self-breast exams, but it is also very crucial to get yearly mammograms. They truly save you and your loved ones lives!” 

With so many women who feel underresourced in Hancock County, we are grateful to be able to offer services such as the Hancock Health Women’s Clinic and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to help them access care. Not only that, all women are encouraged to learn more about our High Risk Breast and Cancer Genetics Clinic. Here, we partner with Ambry Genetics to offer genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk through the Ambry CARE Program and guide patients in making decisions about preventative surgeries, treatments and more. 

“Not only do we have Board Certified Breast Radiologists, Breast Surgeons on site and Board Certified Mammographers,” says Richmond, “we also have advanced technology including, AI CAD (Cancer Aided Detection software), 3D Tomography, 3T Breast MRI’s and a High Risk Breast and Cancer Genetic clinic. We also have our Women Helping Women program, The Breast and Cervical Program and The Breast Cancer Awareness Trust, that offer medical and financial assistance to insured and uninsured patients throughout the community.”

Helping patients to be proactive about their health is just another way we are making health possible for the women of Hancock County.

State of the art technology meets a cozy atmosphere in our maternity ward. Women are supported fully throughout their pregnancies with compassionate guidance that takes into account both mother and baby. Beyond pregnancy testing and checkups, we offer classes for expecting parents, private maternity suites, maternity care companions, and some of the state’s most advanced neonatal care, thanks to a Level II Special Care Nursery that’s constantly staffed by neonatal nurse practitioners from Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. 

Our lactation consultants ensure women have access to help and education as they navigate breastfeeding and, as a Milk Bank Express Site, donor milk is always available for sick babies or those in need. We care about women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum and ensure they have the support they need when navigating this incredible journey. 

For decades, many thought of heart disease as being more prevalent in men, but that is because many providers were not up to date on how cardiovascular disease affects women differently. We now know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. Hancock Health offers up-to-date and state-of-the-art diagnosis and care for women’s cardiovascular health. 

Women carry a large amount of stress in our society. Not only that, hormonal shifts throughout a woman’s cycle and life make her uniquely situated to present with mental health challenges. Hancock Counseling and Psychiatric Services can help you cope with whatever you’re facing, with counseling services and expert care for you and your loved ones—including multiple support groups. We’re committed to providing safe spaces for women who are struggling with anxiety, panic, and depression. Learn more about our mental health and counseling services.

Many women will receive a diagnosis of osteoporosis in their lifetime. Many scientists are now understanding the link between a drop of estrogen in menopause with a loss of bone density. Hancock Health offers simple scans like the DEXA, which can show whether treatment is needed. Our knowledgeable providers understand the importance of a combination of diet, lifestyle changes and physical therapy in a woman’s life when treating complex diseases such as this.  

Women commonly experience changes in their digestive system as they age, but these symptoms are sometimes overlooked by providers who are unwilling to listen. The providers at Hancock Health understand that hormonal changes can mean big changes in how what you eat affects your body, helping you with bloating, stomach pain, cramps, and other digestive health issues.

Treating the whole patient takes providers who are willing to spend time with patients, listening to their symptoms, goals, stories and more. In a world where women may have previously had their symptoms cast aside, we are changing the narrative. Here at Hancock Health, we are passionate about caring for the whole you and supporting you on your journey toward living your most healthy and fulfilling life.