Onslow County Health Department launches 'Wise Woman' screenings for uninsured women

Shirley Campbell Nunez of the Onslow County Health Department said the county is kicking off a new program, 'Wise Woman,' in recognition of Heart Health Month. The program is aimed at women ages 35–64 who are uninsured or underinsured and will provide screening and connection to care.

"It's called, Wise Woman," Nunez said. "At this program, we'll be able to monitor their blood pressure, go ahead and take labs that are associated with cardiovascular disease. We will be able to connect with our community to link women with providers in our community to better assist them." She said the program also aims to educate women about how heart-disease symptoms can differ from typical male presentations.

Nunez urged listeners to call the Onslow County Health Department clinic on the second floor at (910) 347-2154 for information about eligibility and enrollment and said staff will help connect people to services even if they fall outside the stated age range. She recommended lifestyle steps — walking, healthier eating, cutting saturated fats and salt — as foundational prevention measures.

The health department presented 'Wise Woman' as a screening and referral program rather than a new entitlement or legislative change. Nunez described it as a resource to help uninsured or underinsured women get screening labs and referrals to local cardiovascular care when needed.