Chicago-Based BigHeart Health Launches Campaign Urging Women to Put Their Health First (Chicago, IL) — A Chicago-based virtual healthcare company is launching a new campaign encouraging women to prioritize their own health, particularly those who spend much of their time caring for family members, loved ones and others in their communities.
BigHeart Health announced the launch of “Her Health Can’t Wait” on Oct. 6, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign is centered on breast cancer screening but takes a broader approach to women’s health, encouraging women to address preventive care, mental health, heart health, reproductive health and other medical concerns they may postpone while caring for others.
The campaign is being led by BigHeart Health CEO Cheryle Jackson, a breast cancer survivor who says her own experience influenced her approach to healthcare and the importance of women making their health a priority.
“I spent years making sure everyone and everything around me was taken care of. When my own diagnosis came, it forced me to face how often I had put myself last after my family, my job, and community commitments,” Jackson said. “Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish. It’s how you keep showing up for the people who count on you.”
According to BigHeart Health, women who regularly care for children, aging parents, partners and other family members can find themselves delaying routine appointments or overlooking symptoms while managing the needs of others. The company says those delays can contribute to health conditions being identified later, even among women who have health insurance.
As part of the campaign, women are being encouraged to visit herhealthcantwait.com beginning Oct. 6 to schedule a virtual Her Health First Visit.
The virtual appointment is designed to provide a broader assessment of a woman’s health rather than focusing on a single concern. Providers review areas including heart and physical health, hormones and menstrual cycles, stress and sleep, recommended screenings and circumstances at home.
Following the visit, a care navigator can help coordinate additional healthcare needs. That assistance can include scheduling specialist appointments, sharing medical records and following up with patients between visits.
The program also recognizes that factors outside a doctor’s office can influence a person’s health. Women who need assistance with food security, housing, transportation or child and elder care can be connected with resources in their communities, according to BigHeart Health.
The company notes that most health insurance plans cover one wellness visit each year, although coverage and eligibility can vary by plan.
Jackson’s experience as both a patient and healthcare executive is a central part of the campaign’s message. She said her perspective has been shaped by her experiences as a breast cancer survivor, caregiver and advocate, as well as her work addressing disparities in healthcare.
The campaign also highlights concerns about disparities affecting Black women. BigHeart Health cited research and commentary published by the National Association of Nurse Practitioners for Women’s Health that describes disproportionate health burdens among Black women and identifies structural inequities within the healthcare system as a contributing factor.
The organization also cited research indicating that some Black women report negative healthcare experiences that influence whether they continue seeing providers or seek medical care.
Caregiving responsibilities are another focus of the campaign. BigHeart Health cited a Mental Health America study reporting that Black family caregivers average 31.2 hours of caregiving per week, a level the company said is higher than that reported by other racial or demographic groups.
“Women are the health keepers of their families and communities,” Jackson said. “With Her Health Can’t Wait, we want every woman to know she deserves the same care and attention she gives so freely to others.”
The campaign also points to broader concerns about women delaying medical treatment. BigHeart Health cited a Kaiser Family Foundation women’s health survey finding that nearly one in four women reported delaying or skipping needed medical care. The company also referenced research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving indicating that approximately one in four family caregivers, most of whom are women, report that caregiving has negatively affected their own health.
Breast cancer screening remains an important component of the initiative. The American Cancer Society reports that when breast cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year relative survival rate is about 99%.
Throughout October and beyond, BigHeart Health plans to use the campaign to encourage women to schedule mammograms and annual wellness appointments while also paying attention to symptoms and health concerns that can be easy to dismiss.
The campaign’s broader focus includes cardiovascular health, mental health, reproductive and sexual health, weight and metabolic health, as well as preventive screenings.
BigHeart Health plans to support the initiative with giveaways, community events, digital storytelling, a health resource hub and social media efforts using the hashtag #HerHealthCantWait.
The campaign reflects the company’s broader mission of expanding access to preventive healthcare and culturally competent care.
BigHeart Health, formerly known as MyOwnDoctor, describes itself as a virtual healthcare company focused on addressing health disparities and social determinants of health through preventive education and care.
More information about the campaign is available at herhealthcantwait.com, while information about BigHeart Health is available at bighearthealth.com.
Chicago-Based BigHeart Health Launches Campaign Urging Women to Put Their Health First
