Driving Change in Women’s Health: Innovations in Funding, Research, and Policy
By Dr. Janine A. Clayton
Transforming Women’s Behavioral Health Services
In a significant move to bolster women’s behavioral health services, the Biden administration has announced a series of funding opportunities totaling $27.5 million. This announcement underscores a steadfast commitment to addressing the distinct mental health and substance use treatment needs of women across the United States. The funds, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, include $15 million for the Community-Based Maternal Behavioral Health Services Program, which aims to improve access and ensure smooth care transitions of culturally relevant, evidence-based treatment for pregnant and postpartum women. Additionally, $12.5 million will support the Women’s Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center, designed to enhance health care providers’ ability to address women’s behavioral health needs through training and technical assistance.
These efforts are particularly critical in light of recent research highlighting mental health disparities among racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) women in the U.S. A scoping review on mental health during the menopause transition revealed that REM women experience a higher burden of depressive symptoms, influenced by a range of social, structural, and biological factors. The review also emphasized the need for culturally relevant care and enhanced provider training to effectively address these disparities. The Biden administration’s funding directly targets these needs, ensuring that REM women have access to comprehensive and tailored mental health care.
The funding investments are aligned with the goals of the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research, which has committed to prioritizing investments in women’s health research, integrating women’s health across the federal research portfolio, and galvanizing new research on midlife health of women. These funding announcements signify more than just financial support; they represent a pivotal shift in how women’s health is prioritized on the national agenda and lay the groundwork for sustained improvements in women’s health care infrastructure. Allocating resources to targeted programs ensures that women receive the care and support necessary to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
NIH Women’s Health Roundtable: Endometriosis
On August 19, 2024, the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH), in collaboration with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), co-hosted the second NIH Women’s Health Research Roundtable on endometriosis, titled “Beyond the Lesion: Charting New Paths.” This Roundtable Series was developed in response to a Presidential Memorandum aimed at highlighting priority topics within HHS and disseminating information on federally supported research areas.
This significant event centered on endometriosis, a chronic and often misunderstood condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of women of reproductive age and often results in severe pain, heavy menstrual periods, and infertility, yet remains underdiagnosed and inadequately treated. The roundtable brought together experts, advocates, and individuals affected by the condition to explore the latest research, address challenges, and discuss future directions for research on this debilitating disease.
The event featured distinguished speakers, starting with opening remarks by NICHD Director Diana W. Bianchi, M.D. Attendees then engaged in a series of insightful presentations covering diverse aspects of endometriosis, from patient experiences and holistic health approaches to cutting-edge research. This roundtable underscored our commitment to advancing knowledge, improving care, and fostering collaboration to enhance understanding and treatment of endometriosis, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for the women affected.
In Focus 7.2: Women and Mental Health Across the Lifespan
I am thrilled to share with you the latest advancements and initiatives showcased in our most recent issue of Women’s Health In Focus at NIH. A key feature of this issue is the groundbreaking work conducted by Jill Goldstein, Ph.D., M.P.H., at the Innovation Center on Sex Differences in Medicine (ICON-✘). Dr. Goldstein is a Specialized Centers of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences investigator and is leading the charge in examining how sex differences impact brain function, psychiatric disorders, and related comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease. Her team is pioneering the development of sex-specific tools and therapies, a crucial advancement with the potential to lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for women. This shift is consistent with increased awareness of the importance of women’s mental health research. ORWH is supporting Dr. Goldstein in her collaboration with Stuart Tobet, Ph.D., and other experts to create an innovative biomedical pipeline curriculum centered on sex differences, known as the Translational Workforce Innovation Network (TWIN).
This issue also highlights the impressive achievements of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Women in Medicine and Science (CWIMS). Since its inception in 2018, CWIMS has been instrumental in promoting gender equity within its medical school. CWIMS’ innovative approaches include conducting salary equity studies, developing a metrics dashboard for tracking progress, and implementing programs such as the Distinguished Visiting Scholar mechanism and the Early Pathways to Success Program. Recently, CWIMS hosted a Mid-Career Summit, addressing this crucial stage of faculty development. These initiatives have led to increased representation and advancement of women and underrepresented minorities in academic medicine. Be sure to check out the full publication to stay informed and inspired by the groundbreaking work and initiatives in women’s health research.
Advancing Autoimmune Disease Research
I am excited to share with you the significant strides we are making in the field of autoimmune disease research through the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADR-ORWH). OADR-ORWH is dedicated to promoting research that elucidates sex differences in autoimmune conditions, ultimately leading to more effective and personalized treatments for both women and men. Our goal is to foster research to address critical gaps in understanding of how sex differences influence the onset, progression, and treatment of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women, accounting for nearly 80% of all cases. This disparity underscores the urgent need for research that considers sex as a fundamental variable in understanding these complex diseases.
A key event highlighting our commitment to this mission was the recent ScienceTALKS event titled “Going Viral: Exploring Viral Triggers of Autoimmune Diseases.” This event brought together leading experts to delve into the intricate relationship between viral infections and the onset of autoimmune diseases. Presentations explored how viruses can trigger autoimmune responses, which is crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Additionally, OADR-ORWH announced the publication of a new article titled “Coordination and Collaboration to Support Exposome Research in Autoimmune Diseases” in Arthritis Care & Research. I am honored to have collaborated on this article with OADR-ORWH Director Victoria Shanmugam, MBBS, MRCP, FACR, CCD, and ORWH Associate Director of Clinical Research Sarah Temkin, M.D., alongside partners in the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The exposome is a concept that measures all exposures (internal and external) of an individual in their lifetime and how those exposures relate to health. The publication examines the critical role of the exposome in shaping current and future autoimmune disease research at NIH, the impact of environmental exposures on autoimmune diseases, and NIH’s ongoing efforts to interpret these complex interactions.
The insights shared through these events and publications will shape the future of autoimmune disease research. I extend my gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers for their invaluable contributions. For those who missed it, visit our event page for the recording and materials. Together, we can continue to advance research that makes a difference.
Women’s Equality Day
As we reflect on August, a month rich with significant milestones in women’s health and equity, we are reminded of the strides made and the work ahead. Women’s Equality Day, celebrated on August 26, underscores our ongoing commitment to gender equality, commemorating the anniversary of the certification of the 19th Amendment. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing pursuit of gender equality and the importance of ensuring women’s voices are heard in all aspects of society, including health research and policy.
Historically, reliance on male models in research has created significant knowledge gaps, and we have been working diligently to address these disparities. Data reveal that while women are more likely to donate organs, they are less likely to receive them for transplantation and are less frequently given CPR compared to men. At ORWH, we emphasize that women’s health equity and inclusion are not just goals but central to achieving healthy communities and a just society. Through rigorous research, we strive to support the generation and application of evidence to ensure that all women can attain their highest level of health.
A cornerstone of our efforts is the Health of Women of Understudied, Underrepresented, and Underreported populations (U3) Populations Data Book. This comprehensive resource provides critical data and insights into the health disparities faced by these populations. By highlighting these disparities, the Data Book underscores our commitment to addressing the specific health needs of diverse groups of women, including those in rural locations and other underserved communities.
Our website offers a variety of programs, tools, and resources. Key among these is the NIH Inclusion Outreach Toolkit, a vital resource for researchers. This toolkit provides comprehensive guidance on the importance of including women in clinical research, offering tools and best practices to support inclusion. In addition, ORWH collaborates with NIH ICs on research programs aimed at addressing women’s health disparities. For instance, the U3 Interdisciplinary Research Program, focuses on advancing health outcomes for populations highlighted in the Data Book. ORWH also supports initiatives such as our partnership with the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) and other NIH institutes to advance women’s health research and equity, particularly in Institutional Development Awards (IDeA) states. These states and territories benefit from targeted funding aimed at expanding research capacity and addressing health disparities.
As we continue to enhance women’s health research, I invite you to explore our resources and join us in our mission to foster a future where every woman receives evidence-based health care.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Events in Women’s Health Research
As we continue to drive progress in women’s health, I am excited to highlight two key upcoming events that promise to advance our understanding and impact. On September 30, 2024, the Specialized Centers of Research Excellence (SCORE) on Sex Differences will host its 2024 annual meeting, featuring a keynote address that emphasizes crucial advancements in research on sex differences and a capstone address that maps out contemporary challenges within the health enterprise. This initiative is pivotal to bridging gaps in understanding sex influences in health and disease. Following this event, on October 1, 2024, the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) 2024 Annual Meeting will take place. This event will provide a comprehensive platform for discussing and fostering interdisciplinary research careers in women’s health. I encourage everyone to engage in these important events as we continue to advance research, career development, and policy in women’s health. They will not only showcase ongoing research, but also set the stage for future breakthroughs.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to improving women’s health and well-being. I look forward to sharing more updates and breakthroughs with you in the coming months.