This week, our Executive Director Joy Burkhard, had the honor of attending the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, where a promising announcement was made by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. In a step forward for women’s health, the U.S. Department of Defense committed to investing $500 million annually in women’s health research, focusing on conditions that uniquely, disproportionately, or differently affect women. The initiative will address critical issues such as ovarian cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and musculoskeletal injuries.
This commitment signifies a shift in how women’s health is prioritized, with a new research policy designed to ensure women are considered at every step of the process. The Department of Defense’s emphasis on supporting innovators and early-stage small businesses advancing women’s health research aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Women’s Health Research and Innovation.
Our Executive Director highlighted the significance of this focus on women’s health. “Maternal health is an integral part of women’s health,” she stated, “and this investment has the potential to revolutionize care for women at every stage of life, including during and after pregnancy, a critical time for addressing mental health.”
The U.S. Department of Defense’s commitment builds on efforts already underway, such as a Joint Collaborative to Improve Women’s Health Research for Servicemembers and Veterans, aimed at advancing evidence-based care. The appointment of the first-ever Director of the Military Women’s Health Research Program further underscores the importance of women’s health in ensuring the medical readiness of our nation’s military.
The Policy Center looks forward to engaging in this larger national conversation. We are hopeful that the ripple effect of this new funding will extend to ensure that women’s mental well-being is prioritized alongside physical health.
