In a world where access to comprehensive healthcare can seem hard to come by, several local organizations are working to close the gap—specifically for women. These groups are providing vital medical services ranging from reproductive care and maternal health support to preventive screenings and chronic disease management. With a focus on accessibility, education and culturally responsive care, they’re helping women take charge of their health in ways that are both accessible and impactful. This feature explores the missions behind these organizations and the real difference they’re making in the lives of women across the region. Written by Barbie Heit and Cecilia Mould  |  Photography by Wyatt Kostygan.

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation 

The Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the hospital’s mission to deliver exceptional healthcare marked by caring, quality and innovation. From funding the purchase of cutting-edge medical equipment to supporting training and certification for SMH staff, the Foundation ensures the hospital can continue offering advanced medical care and maintain its status as one of the top hospitals in the country. Stacey Corley, President of the Foundation, highlights how the organization also helps fund critical research, especially in the area of women’s health. “While some of the clinical research that happens goes through pharmaceutical companies or medical device companies, a lot that’s developed comes through philanthropy,” she says. One key initiative focuses on women’s cancer care research, led by Toni P. Kilts, DO and Beverly J. Long, MD, both certified in gynecologic oncology. “A lot of the research they do and the team around them is supported through philanthropy, and so, we’re fortunate that donors care,” Corley explains. “A lot of times it’s because they’re grateful family members or grateful patients who experience something and they want to help the people who come after them who get the same diagnosis.” She adds that the research team has expanded significantly in recent years, tripling its number of clinical research projects since 2022. Another important program supported by the Foundation is the Women & Medicine Event, an annual educational luncheon featuring female healthcare professionals. “This event is something that people take very seriously, but it’s also fun,” says Corley. “We’ve had it in Sarasota since 2012 but this last year we added one in Venice and we had great success with over 800 people attending–over 500 guests in Sarasota and around 300 guests in Venice.” Each year covers a different topic, with last year’s covering heart disease in women. This coming year will focus on menopause and hormones.“Even with 400 or 500 people in attendance, it becomes a very intimate conversation between women in our community and women healthcare professionals,” says Director of Communications, Ticia Mahler. “Great work like this is able to continue through philanthropy and our generous donors.” Corley also notes the hospital’s workplace culture, sharing that Forbes Magazine recently ranked them number one in Florida and among the top in the country as a place for women to work. “Not only do we treat and care about women patients, but there are a lot of females here who are working hard to make sure that we’re the best at what we do, whether it’s at the Foundation or at the hospital. —B.Heit smhf.org

Women’s Resource Center 

At the Women’s Resource Center, every program is designed to empower women and tailored to meet the needs of each individual who walks through their doors. “The most important work that we do is meeting our clients where they are, addressing their needs and ultimately helping them build economic security and resiliency,” says President Ashley Brown. At the core of the center’s efforts to build resilience are its mental health programs. “How you work, how you communicate, how you set boundaries—these all add to the stability in your world and your financial security. Strong mental health is an important piece of the overall picture of a successful person,” says Brown. Founded in 1979, the center quickly recognized the crucial role of mental health services in supporting women across all aspects of their lives. Originally focused on career development, the center soon integrated its counseling programs to help build women’s self-esteem and self-worth as they pursued success. Now, through partnerships with local therapists, the center helps women who lack insurance coverage or the financial means for counseling to access these services at affordable rates—between $5 to $50 per session. Additionally, it offers three regular, guided support groups, serving as safe and welcoming spaces for women to share their experiences. “Being able to connect with others in a similar situation and reducing that sense that you’re the only person that’s feeling the way you are is really powerful,” says Brown. From “Divorce 101” to “You Are Worthy” to “Building Your Success,” these groups bring together women with similar challenges and aspirations. Each of these groups offers not only emotional comfort but also provides women with the tools and knowledge to handle difficult situations in every area of their lives. For Brown, the mission is simple but profound—give women the strength to change their lives. At the Women’s Resource Center, that strength grows, one connection and one success story at a time.  —C.Mould  941-256-9721, mywrc.org

Sarasota Memorial Hospital Pregnancy Care Team

The recently launched Pregnancy Care Team is working to increase access to prenatal care for local women. Open to all women seeking assistance in finding a care provider, the team was formed to address a national shortage of obstetricians—a challenge that has impacted women’s ability to access prenatal care. “With need increasing and the population growing, we are also seeing fewer OBGYNs in the community, and so the availability of OB appointments for prenatal care really came to a critical point where we needed to do something quickly to help women make sure that they were getting into prenatal care,” says Director of Women’s and Children’s Services Abby Olsen. Care throughout a pregnancy is essential—Olsen says that 80 percent of obstetrical emergencies that Sarasota Memorial sees are preventable with quality prenatal care. This team, officially started in February, has already connected over 400 women with providers around the area. OB Navigators identify a patient’s insurance and any risk factors she may have in order to match patients with the best possible care. Olsen notes that 100 percent of patients who have reached out to the team for assistance have been connected to providers ahead of their deliveries. Partnerships with local OB offices and other community programs are essential to the success of this team—these local organizations refer patients struggling to access care to the Pregnancy Care Team, which in turn helps connect women with the right care provider. “An OB nurse navigator will walk through that journey with mothers and make sure that they not only have an OB provider to help them medically, but they also assess any social needs that they may need some assistance with, and get things ready so that they really are set up for the most success they can have,” says Olsen. The team provides free services to any women seeking prenatal or postnatal care for up to 12 months after delivery. As they look ahead to celebrating its first year and beyond, Olsen plans to continue assessing the broader needs of the local community and providing critical support. —C.Mould Sarasota Memorial Hospital Pregnancy Care Team, 941-917-MOMS (6667)

Lotus Women’s Health 

Lotus Women’s Health opened its doors in September 2023,  born out of Dr. Eduardo Aguin’s desire to break free from the constraints of corporate medicine. After years of working in systems where decisions were often made by people without medical knowledge, he knew it was time to build something different, where clinical care was guided by expertise, empathy and a deep commitment to patient advocacy. The practice began with Dr. Aguin as a solo provider, and fittingly, the very first delivery was an unforgettable one—his own daughter. That powerful experience helped shape the heart of Lotus Women’s Health. Since then, the team has grown to include Certified Nurse Midwife Angie Scarpa, whose holistic, patient-focused approach beautifully complements the practice’s mission. Together, they offer a unique blend of medical and midwifery care that truly honors the individuality of every woman they serve.At Lotus Women’s Health, women receive compassionate, expert care through every stage of life—from routine well-woman exams to advanced diagnostics, prenatal care and menopause management. The team combines state-of-the-art technology with a personalized approach to ensure the highest quality of care.“ At Lotus Women’s Health, our philosophy is rooted in patient-centered, evidence-based and compassionate care. We believe every woman deserves to feel empowered, respected and heard throughout every stage of her health journey,” says Dr. Aguin. “Our goal is to provide high-quality care in a warm and supportive environment where patients are treated like individuals, not numbers. We take time to listen, educate, and advocate—because your health choices should be informed, honored and guided by providers who genuinely care.” Dr. Aguin explains that what truly sets Lotus Women’s Health apart is the personalized, relationship-based approach to care. “We are a small, close-knit team, passionate about giving women the time and attention they deserve. Unlike large corporate practices, we are free to focus entirely on what’s best for our patients without outside interference. We treat our patients like our own family, offering not only clinical excellence but also trust, comfort and genuine emotional support. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a life-changing birth, our patients know they are in compassionate, capable hands.” —B.Heit  Lotus Women’s Health, 1846 Rye Rd E, Bradenton, lotuswomenhealth.com  914-302-9977.

CenterPlace Health Women’s Health Services

CenterPlace Health, a federally qualified community health center serving patients in and around Sarasota County, provides a wide range of women’s health services with a focus on accessibility and affordability. Their integrated care model addresses medical, behavioral health and social needs, providing care for women throughout their lives, from adolescence through post-menopause.CenterPlace Health offers a comprehensive range of key medical services focused on women’s health. Their preventive and gynecological care includes annual exams such as Pap tests, mammogram referrals, routine physicals, family planning and a variety of contraception options. They also address specific gynecological concerns and provide screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For women during pregnancy, the center offers full maternity and prenatal care, covering the entire journey from prenatal visits to postpartum support, and provides referrals for ultrasounds and specialized care when necessary. Birth deliveries are coordinated through a partnership with Sarasota Memorial Hospital. In addition, CenterPlace Health integrates behavioral health services into its care model, offering counseling, therapy and support programs—such as maternity support—through a team of licensed clinical social workers, psychiatrists and other professionals dedicated to supporting women’s emotional and mental well-being.The organization focuses on the whole person. They understand that factors like economic stability, housing and nutrition play a significant role in a person’s well-being. Their team of certified, culturally diverse community health workers and case managers assists patients to ensure they have access to services to improve their health and well-being.  This includes nutrition counseling, transportation assistance, insurance enrollment, and help with finding community resources, which are essential for women and their families.“Partnership is at the heart of CenterPlace Health’s success. We work closely with Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the Department of Health and other nonprofits to create a care model that profoundly impacts women and children. The generous investment from our local foundations and donors allows us to serve everyone, especially the most vulnerable,” says Chief Advancement and Engagement Officer, Christine Coviello. “We know that by caring for them, we are building a stronger, healthier future for all.”  CenterPlace Health provides care for women at several locations throughout Sarasota County, including a dedicated Women and Children’s Health Center. They accept a variety of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. For uninsured patients, they offer a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring that essential women’s health services, such as family planning and prenatal care, are accessible to those who might otherwise go without. —B.Heit  Women and Children’s Health Center, 1750 17th Street, Bldg E, Sarasota, 941- 529-0100, centerplacehealth.org

First 1,000 Days Suncoast

Sarasota Memorial Hospital launched First 1,000 Days in 2018 to support families and connect them with local resources. Now, the initiative has more than 90 partner organizations in Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties and has developed a family navigation program which specifically aims to connect families with local nonprofit organizations according to their needs and reduce the stress on families in their children’s early years. “Research has shown that growing up with the stress and anxiety of living in poverty can have a significant impact on the health and well being of children. And so if we can reduce that stress by connecting parents with the basic resources that they need, then we know that they can do their most important job, which is to support and love and nurture their children,” says Director Chelsea Arnold. After connecting parents with the essential resources offered by partner organizations, family navigators check in regularly to ensure that families’ needs are being met. Each day, Navigators Tina Wilson and Renee King reach out to parents who have filled out the program’s online assistance request form and assess how the team can best support them. “A lot of parents and mothers don’t know the potential that they have. We’re really trying to empower them, and I think that is really our mission, is getting different organizations to start working together to help the families as much as we can and ultimately build healthier communities,” says Wilson. First 1,000 Days helps families meet a broad range of needs, including housing, childcare, food, employment, Medicaid and baby supplies. This year, the program has assisted 283 families, meeting each where they are, whether a family is looking for a quick connection to childcare resources or ongoing support. “It varies based on the degree of need, but parents always know that they can come back to us again,” says Arnold. “Sometimes we’ll help someone, and then five months later they’ll reach out again, or two years later, they’ll reach out again. We’re really that warm line of various connections to care.” —C.Mould  First 1,000 Days, first1000dayssuncoast.org