Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 2005)

 Last June, when Loveland resident Irma Bautista needed to see a dentist, she faced several hurdles. A single mother living in poverty and learning English as a second language, Bautista went to the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) for help. Soon she had an appointment with a Loveland dentist who treated her dental problems before they became critical.

Bautista was lucky. Most of the center’s clients seeking acute dental care must be treated for infection first.

This year, the Women’s Resource Center (formerly The Women’s Center) celebrates 30 years of helping women in Larimer County. WRC helps women overcome financial, cultural, language, know ledge, access and other barriers to have their health needs met.

The center was founded in 1975 when the Colorado Commission on the Status of Women and the American Association of University Women chose Fort Collins as one of seven Colorado communities to advance the welfare, status, progress and best interests of women.

“For 30 years, linking women with resources has been the core of the center’s mission,” says Executive Director Melissa Selby.

Through outreach, education, connection to care and advocacy, WRC teaches women about healthcare for themselves and their families, emphasizing dental care, prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases, and early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The center negotiates with healthcare providers for reduced-fee services and links women with healthcare and dental care providers and with other community resources.

“If a woman comes in needing dental assistance, we’ll also ask on our questionnaire when she had her last well-woman exam, for example, and what public benefits she receives,” Selby says. “That provides us with a better understanding of her needs and qualifications, and we can link her up with other community resources.”

The goal is to help women stay well and diagnose and treat problems earlier rather than later.

When needed, staff members also interpret, accompany patients to appointments and other support services, and provide emotional support.

Irma Bautista says she appreciates the emotional support she receives from caring staff members.

A mother, student and school volunteer, she says: “I don’t have many friends, and after spending so much time with my children, I sometimes need to talk with an adult.”

“I call the Women’s Resource Center, and even though they are very busy, they are also very nice and talk with me, and I can practice my English. They believe in me.”