The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) encourages women, especially mothers, to keep personal health a priority.

The department’s office of women’s health recently launched a campaign to promote the Women’s Health Hotline and remind mothers to take care of their own health needs, in addition to the needs of their family.

“We want mothers to remember that it is crucial for them to make their own health a priority so they can be there for their loved ones in the years to come,” said Cynthia Harding, interim director of the Department of Public Health. “Moms are great at multitasking. They make sure to take their children to their doctors’ appointments but, ironically, they often forget to schedule their own. This campaign is a call to action. It’s a reminder for L.A. County moms to take time out to focus on their own health and well-being for the benefit of the whole family.”

The office of women’s health operates a free multi-lingual Women’s Health Hotline at (800)793-8090. The information shared remains confidential. This resource is free and available to all individuals, with or without health insurance.

Services provided include free or low-cost appointments and referrals for pap tests, breast exams and mammograms, information and referrals for health insurance, and referrals to local health care resources.

“Seeing a health care provider is important at any age but, as women age, their bodies change and they have specific health needs,” said Dr. Rita Singhal, medical director for the office of women’s health. “Screening tests, such as pap tests and mammograms, can find cancer early when it is easier to treat. Also, identifying and treating other health conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, can lower the risk of developing heart disease.”

Hotline hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. During all other times, callers may leave a voicemail and a hotline operator will return the call during regular business hours. Email messages may also be sent to owh@ph.lacounty.gov. For information, visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/owh.