Sarah Jenkins presents “We Count – Measuring the Toll of Human Incontinence.”

How to cite: Jenkins, Sarah. “We Count – Measuring the Toll of Human Incontinence.” February 19, 2025. Accessed May 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/we-count-measuring-the-toll-of-human-incontinence/

We Count – Measuring the Toll of Human Incontinence – Summary

Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, FAUNA, FAAN, Urology Nurse Practitioner, Adjunct Professor of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, welcomes Sarah Jenkins, Executive Director of the National Association for Continence (NAFC), to introduce the “We Count” campaign. In this 12-minute discussion, Jenkins outlines NAFC’s mission to destigmatize incontinence, promote treatment-seeking behavior, and support patients and healthcare providers. With a 40-year history, NAFC has built an extensive online resource hub that includes blogs, a podcast series, educational videos, and a patient message board. 

Jenkins presents findings from a 2019 patient survey, which reveals high frustration levels and a persistent reluctance to discuss symptoms with healthcare providers. She emphasizes the importance of proactive communication and education, noting that many women mistakenly view incontinence as part of aging. To combat these misconceptions, NAFC launched “We Count,” a CDC-funded, three-year educational campaign specifically focused on incontinence in women.

The campaign uses multifaceted outreach, including indicator reports, a dedicated landing page, downloadable tools, newsletters, social media content, and healthcare provider resources. Key thematic focuses rotate throughout the year, from general awareness to specific topics such as stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, menopause, and mental health.

Jenkins stresses the urgency of normalizing the conversation around incontinence, expanding access to treatment information, and encouraging women to advocate for their bladder health. She invites healthcare professionals to collaborate via podcast appearances or written contributions, reinforcing the message that women and their experiences truly do count. The presentation concludes with a short question-and-answer conversation between Sarah Jenkins and Diane Newman.