Nearly 80 women gathered at the Community Health Center in Middletown (CHC) on July 19 for Rooted in Wisdom: A Menopause Garden Party, a joyful, intergenerational celebration of wisdom, wellness, and womanhood. With floral bouquets in hand and shared stories in their hearts, attendees came together to reclaim the menopause journey: openly, proudly, and in community.

This community-led event was part of the UConn Health Disparities Institute’s Menopause Equity Initiative (MEI), a statewide effort to break the silence, reduce stigma, and create community-informed solutions to support women’s midlife health.

Organized by CHC and the Epsilon Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®, the event was co-hosted by DeLita Rose-Daniels and Yvette Highsmith-Francis, CHC’s vice president of the Eastern Region. Their vision created a space where participants could learn, connect, and celebrate menopause as a shared journey rather than a silent struggle.

“Rooted in Wisdom was a powerful example of what it means to center community voices in health equity work,” said Dr. Linda Sprague Martinez, director of HDI. “Women are experts in their own lived experience. This event was special because it was created by women of color for women of color to reclaim their stories and build collective knowledge about menopause. HDI is committed to supporting intergenerational, culturally grounded conversations like these, which are needed to address health and health care disparities.”

The event opened with a screening of the (M) Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause, the first PBS documentary to spotlight the complex realities of the menopause transition. The film resonated deeply with the audience, evoking both quiet reflection and vocal commentary. “Women were connected to every word,” said DeLita Rose-Daniels. “It was an unspoken affirmation to me that women felt connected, seen, and heard about their menopause experience, a piece of them they probably never really shared out loud with anyone.”

Following the film, a “talkback” session with expert health professionals helped break down myths and medical misinformation, giving voice to common but often undiscussed symptoms. Guests asked questions, shared personal stories, and received guidance from:

• Dr. Carla Gunn Samson, obstetrician/gynecologist and founder of Hibiscus and Honey Medical and Aesthetic, LLC
• Dr. Jessica Kluewer-D’Amico, medical director of the Silver Sage Geriatric Psychiatry and Dual Diagnosis IOP Programs at UConn Health

The event continued with a tea and wellness session led by Sasha Allen Walton, a Gullah Geechee herbalist and owner of Sasha’s Whole Earth. Walton offered a sampling of teas grounded in ancestral knowledge and everyday health rituals, demonstrating the connection between cultural healing and bodily empowerment.

To close the afternoon, guests created their floral bouquets on CHC’s garden rooftop as a personal expression of rebirth and rootedness.

CHC Vice President Yvette Highsmith-Francis captured the spirit of the day: “I literally saw faces light up when we shared the reframing of menopause from a negative to a journey to be embraced; a second spring- a time of personal rebirth, creativity, and internal wisdom. Individuals should be able to discuss their symptoms and find treatment openly or ways they can manage them.”

Why Menopause Equity Matters

While menopause is a universal experience, it is not equally experienced by all. Black women, for example, are three times more likely to enter menopause early and often face symptoms that last up to a decade, substantially longer than other groups. These symptoms are frequently dismissed or ignored, compounding risks for chronic conditions like heart disease.

One attendee shared, “This was the first time I ever had a real conversation about menopause. I didn’t even know hormone replacement therapy was something to explore.”

“At HDI, we believe that those most affected by health inequities should be at the heart of the solutions,” said Trisha Pitter, director of Community Learning and Engagement at HDI. “That’s what this event was: a community-driven expression of wisdom, joy, and truth-telling. Menopause doesn’t have to be a silent or isolating experience. Nor does someone have to figure it out alone. Through gatherings like this, we’re restoring connections, sharing intergenerational stories, and changing the narrative about what midlife can look and feel like, especially for Black and Brown women.

Looking Ahead

HDI will host the “Power of the Pause,” a statewide celebration during Menopause Awareness Month, on October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. The event will take place at the Mandell JCC in West Hartford, bringing together individuals experiencing menopause and their loved ones while connecting them with health providers and tailored resources.

For more information or to get involved, visit HDI’s Menopause Equity Initiative webpage or email us at hdimenopauseequity@uchc.edu.