Tell Your Story - Shape the future of women's health
The WHC engages women to share their real-life experiences navigating Alberta's health system in the face of menstrual, reproductive and sexual health challenges.
When women tell their story it empowers other women to become their own health advocate. It encourages them to take charge of their experiences in their home, workplace and doctor's office. It lets them know they are not lazy, crazy, or depressed … and they are not alone.
When you share your story with the Women's Health Coalition you influence and inform our advocacy efforts, and help to create better lived experiences for all women.
Women helping women changes lives!
This is your story and should be told your way! You can share it as a video, an audio file, a narrative story or a timeline of events. It can be as long or as short as you wish and it can be your whole story or a single part you want to share.
The tips and talking points below may help you in sharing your story.TELL YOUR STORY YOUR WAY
All story submissions must include a Release Form
How to submit:
Download and complete the release form.
Send your story and your completed release form to info@TheWHC.ca
- attach your video or audio file
- paste a YouTube link
Provide The WHC with your social media links and we will tag you on your story post
Release Form
Tips and Talking Points
Issue:
- Start from the beginning - what was happening?
- How did this all start?
Attempts for Help:
- Where did you look for help?
- Did you go to a medior centre, women’s clinic, general practitioner?
- How were you supported (or not) by the health system?
- Were you offered treatments or medications – for what?
- Was there follow up?
- Were you referred to a specialist – how long did it take to see the specialist?
Diagnosis/Results:
- How long did it take to get a diagnosis?
- What was the diagnosis?
- Did you see a specialist or require additional tests to confirm the diagnosis?
- Did you get a second opinion?
- Did you seek out online resources – were they helpful?
Options/Referrals:
- What options were provided to you and from what area of the medical profession?
Navigating the System:
- Did you feel supported by your medical professional?
- Were you provided with information that offered choices for your treatment?
Support:
- Did you connect with anyone dealing with the same diagnosis?
- Did you seek emotional support or join a support group?
Recommendations:
- What would you suggest to anyone dealing with the same health issues?
- What should women say to their family, employer, doctor when they are not being supported the way they should be?
Dos and Dont's:
- Would you do anything differently?
- Why are you sharing your story?