St. John’s, NL (July 2, 2026) — The IWK Foundation is inviting women across Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in a groundbreaking women’s health survey that will help create the first comprehensive Atlantic Canadian picture of women’s health experiences.
"Women in Newfoundland and Labrador have a unique perspective and important experiences that deserve to be heard," says Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation. "This is about building a truly Atlantic conversation about women's health, informed by women themselves. We cannot tell the full story of women's health in this region without the voices of Newfoundland and Labrador women."
The survey explores women's experiences with health care, health knowledge, caregiving responsibilities, access to services, mental health, menopause, chronic conditions, and other factors that influence well-being. Findings will help inform future conversations about women's health priorities, services, policy, research, and advocacy efforts across Atlantic Canada.
Launching on July 2, this survey follows an unprecedented response in 2025 from women in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, where more than 27,000 women shared their health journeys, making it the largest open survey focused on women’s health ever conducted in Canada.
“As a woman in Newfoundland and Labrador, and as the mother of a young daughter, I want her to grow up in a world where women’s health is better understood, taken seriously and supported,” says Ashlyn Swift-Gallant. “This study is an opportunity for women in our province to share what we’ve experienced, what we need, and what we hope will be different for the next generation. I’m proud to add my voice and I hope women across Newfoundland and Labrador will do the same.”
The IWK Foundation believes that improving women's health requires more than health care system change alone. It will take collaboration among governments, health care organizations, employers, researchers, community organizations, and citizens working together to address the barriers women face.
“We encourage women across Newfoundland and Labrador to take part in this study and add their voices to this important Atlantic-wide conversation,” says Amy Howard, Director, Children and Women’s Health Program, Eastern Urban Zone, NL Health Services. “The more we understand about women’s health experiences, the better positioned health leaders will be to respond to the needs of women in our province and across the region.”
The IWK has deep and longstanding ties to Newfoundland and Labrador. For generations, families from across the province have accessed specialized care through the IWK, creating connections that are deeply personal and extend far beyond hospital walls.
The survey is open from July 2 to July 31.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation inspires generosity to advance healthcare for women, children, youth and families by supporting excellence in care, research and innovation through IWK Health. The Foundation is committed to helping create healthier futures for people across Atlantic Canada.
Media Contact:
Nicole Slysz
IWK Foundation
nicole.slysz@iwkfoundation.org
(902) 220-6748