Linn County’s annual commemoration of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution is taking a twist this year and will not include honoring local “Women of the Year” as it has done in the past. According to Women’s Equality Coalition member Sue Jorgensen, “We took a close look at critical issues in the lives of women this year and decided to devote the entire program to a conversation about healthcare inequalities faced by women.”

The event is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26, at the Hiawatha Community Center, 101 Emmons Street, Hiawatha. Social hour with light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. will precede the 7 p.m. program moderated by Anne Harris Carter, Health Equity Program Manager of Linn County Public Health.

Panelists for the healthcare conversation include:

Abbey J. Hardy-Fairbanks MD

Clinical Associate Professor of Gynecology

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Gretchen Wenger, FMNP

Doctor of Nursing Practice/Family Medicine

Eastern Iowa Health Center

Diana Jones, DDS

Chief Dental Officer

Eastern Iowa Health Center

Sashi Solomon, MSN, ARNP-BC

Nurse Practitioner

Iowa Women’s Health Center

Cassie Limoges, ARNP

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Eastern Iowa Health Center

Amy Johnson

Director of Donor & Community Relations

Community Free Health Clinic

Those planning to attend the celebration are asked to bring a box of feminine hygiene products to be donated to local women in need.

This event is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Linn County (LWVLC) and the local chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).