Caring for Women, Strengthening Community: Advancing Women’s Health Across Eagle County

Every May, Women’s Health Month serves as a reminder that caring for women’s health means caring for entire families and communities. At Eagle Valley Community Foundation, we see every day how access to healthcare, nutritious food, preventive screenings, and trusted resources directly impacts the wellbeing of women across Eagle County.

In a region where nearly half of local households are considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), many women are balancing work, caregiving, childcare, and rising living costs while putting their own health last. For working mothers, immigrant families, uninsured individuals, and rural residents, barriers such as transportation, language access, lack of insurance, and limited appointment availability can make preventive care feel out of reach.

Yet preventive healthcare remains one of the most powerful tools for long-term wellness.

Through programs like MIRA (Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance) and The Community Market, Eagle Valley Community Foundation works to reduce these barriers by bringing healthcare navigation, food assistance, wellness education, and culturally responsive support directly into neighborhoods across Eagle County. Last year alone, The Community Market distributed more than 1.6 million pounds of food — equivalent to approximately 1.4 million meals — helping ensure women and families had access to nutritious food essential for long-term health and chronic disease prevention.

At the same time, MIRA continues to expand access to care through free health screenings, insurance enrollment support, immunization clinics, mental health navigation, and bilingual resource coordination. By meeting people where they are — both geographically and culturally — MIRA helps women access care before health concerns become crises.

Women’s health extends far beyond annual checkups. It includes mental health, maternal wellness, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, reproductive healthcare, and the ability to access trusted information and support systems. It also means ensuring women feel seen, heard, and respected when seeking care.

This work is especially important in rural communities, where access gaps can have lasting consequences. Across Eagle County, women often serve as caregivers, household organizers, and advocates for their families’ wellbeing. When women have access to healthcare, healthy food, and supportive resources, the impact reaches children, seniors, workplaces, and the broader community.

This Women’s Health Month, we encourage our community to take small but meaningful steps toward wellness:

• Schedule preventive screenings and annual wellness visits
• Prioritize mental health and rest
• Make time for movement and nourishing meals
• Check in on friends, neighbors, and caregivers
• Seek support when needed without fear or stigma

At Eagle Valley Community Foundation, we believe health equity starts with access, dignity, and community connection. During Women’s Health Month and throughout the year, we remain committed to ensuring all women in Eagle County have the resources and support they need to thrive.