Women's Health

 The Office on Women's Health (OWH), founded in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leads initiatives to address key women's health issues. OWH advances policies, educates healthcare professionals and consumers, and supports innovative programs to improve women's health nationwide. Discover more about their mission here. 

The Women’s Health Awareness (WHA) Program focuses on environmental health research, advocacy, and education, addressing disparities through a racial and gender equity lens. Aimed at underserved populations, it promotes wellness, literacy, and environmental justice while training professionals and empowering women to advocate for health and environmental issues in their communities. 

 Women face unique health concerns including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, maternal health issues, UTIs, HPV, breast cancer, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. Preventive measures like regular screenings, vaccinations, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness can help manage risks and promote overall well-being. Early detection and proactive care are key to improving health outcomes.  Learn more from Northwestern Medicine here.

Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical trials due to biases and logistical challenges, leading to gaps in understanding their unique health needs. Efforts since the 1990s, including NIH policies, have improved inclusion, but disparities remain, especially for women of color. Experts advocate for inclusive research, diverse leadership, and education reforms.

Read more from the AAMC here.

Women's healthcare is underfunded despite growing awareness and investment. Addressing disparities, leveraging AI, and closing research gaps, particularly in areas like heart disease and menopause, can transform outcomes. Collaboration among policymakers, investors, and employers is essential to unlock innovation, drive economic growth, and improve women's healthcare, with 2025 poised for significant progress.

Read more about it in Forbes here.

 Heart disease (20.3%) and cancer (18.5%) were the leading causes of death among U.S. women in 2022. Lung cancer caused the most cancer deaths, despite breast cancer being the most common. Breast cancer death rates have declined due to early detection and better therapies, with Massachusetts leading in screenings. Read more in Statista here.