When Womankind women’s health center started in Key West in March 2001, the term 9/11 was still just a calendar date. The levees hadn’t failed in New Orleans and American women could decide whether they were ready to become a mother.
But even back then, health insurance was becoming unaffordable and quality medical care for women was increasingly out of reach for many women, especially those who worked hourly and hospitality jobs that did not provide employee health insurance.
On March 15, 2001, nurse practitioners Renee Grier and Gazelle Lange launched Womankind and began seeing patients. They hadn’t intended to launch the pivotal women’s health center in March to coincide with Women’s History Month, but the timing ended up being appropriate.
“Establishing the practice involved overwhelming community support and participation,” said Womankind’s current executive director, Cali Roberts. “The goal of having a center for health care that was respectful and empowering to women motivated many volunteers – men and women – into action. At Womankind, we believe a community is only as strong as the health of the women who live in it. When women feel good, we all feel good.
“This grassroots spirit continues well into our second decade. Womankind has grown and flourished with the vision of our founders as our backbone. In late 2023, we expanded our scope of practice with the addition of prenatal services.”
Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez extolled the success of Womankind in a recent proclamation celebrating its 25th anniversary that states:
“Founded in 2001, Womankind provides essential health services to women throughout Monroe County.
“Womankind is dedicated to providing high quality, compassionate and affordable reproductive and gynecological health care, regardless of income or insurance status, serving a geographically isolated region with limited access to specialized women’s health providers.
“Womankind offers a comprehensive range of services, including preventive gynecological care, family planning, cancer screenings, prenatal care for uncomplicated pregnancies, sexual health services, and care coordination and referrals for uninsured and underinsured patients. The organization also collaborates with local health care providers, social service agencies, and community organizations to deliver coordinated, integrated care, strengthening the local health care safety net and reducing barriers to care.
“Womankind’s sustained impact reflects the dedication of its staff, leadership and volunteer board members, whose commitment has ensured continuity of care and community trust for a quarter century.”
