The Entertainment Community Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative

The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actor’s Fund) is a national human services organization that helps address the specific needs of actors and other entertainment professionals — with a unique understanding of the challenges involved with a life in the arts and the knowledge of what it takes to thrive in an often-unpredictable industry.

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the Entertainment Community Fund shines a spotlight on the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.

Founded in 1996 by Fund trustee and cancer survivor Phyllis Newman, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative is a safe place for women to turn to for support when faced with a serious medical diagnosis.

A Tony Award-winning actress whose career included work in theater, television and film, Newman became an advocate for women’s health after being diagnosed with breast cancer and bravely shared her feelings about her diagnosis and experience. 

In her words,

“I know from personal experience the fear and pain that can spring from a major medical crisis. In 1983, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led to a double mastectomy. At the time, you didn’t hear a lot of inspirational stories, and you didn’t know many people who were survivors because everyone was so quiet about it. This is no longer the case.

Today, my female colleagues in entertainment have Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative: a safe place to go to address serious medical concerns and get confidential and compassionate help.”

Staffed by social workers experienced in helping women manage a range of critical health concerns, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative offers dedicated resources to address the challenges of a serious medical illness or injury and provides the care and support each woman needs to reduce stress and focus on her wellness. 

With services ranging from navigating health care systems to connecting women to resources that offer education or financial assistance, the initiative provides access to an extensive support network that includes health care, diagnostic, preventative and mental health services.

Newman’s legacy lives on through the program she founded and the women it continues to help. The services of Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative are available to all women working in performing arts and entertainment, with eligibility for financial assistance determined through an application, interview and documentation of professional earnings.

To learn more, please visit entertainmentcommunity.org/PNWHI.

Please register or log in to the Entertainment Community Fund Portal to access all of the workshops, programs and services the Entertainment Community Fund has to offer.