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Contact Director of Communications Adele Scheiber at [email protected] or by phone at 631 – 538 – 6348 for comments and questions.
The Washington, D.C.-based National Women’s Health Network (NWHN) launched its second annual Health Equity and Access Leadership Training Hub (The HEALTH Program) at the beginning of this year. The HEALTH Program is designed to build local health care capacity and shape policy by partnering with community health organizations across the country to:
- Tackling health inequalities which disproportionately affect marginalized communities
- Advancing reproductive justice priorities in federal legislation and rulemaking
- Expanding access to health care through policy and advocacy
- Improve health outcomes for women across the lifespan
“Too often, the US develops health policies without consulting the community leaders and advocates who work directly with affected populations,” said Kristen Batstone, NWHN’s Policy Officer. “Without fail, this lack of inclusion leads to inadequate policy that fails to improve health outcomes and results in people falling to the fringes. That’s why we started the HEALTH program”.
The selection process for the 2024 cohort began in June 2023. NWHN sought organizations that demonstrate a commitment to health equity and align with the Network’s standards mission, vision and values. In January 2024, the program built on the success of the pilot by welcoming five new organizations to the program:
Cohort 2024 of the HYGEIA Program
Angels Protection Inc (Pennsylvania): The mission of Angels Protection Inc is to promote health equity for mothers and their children, young women and families between the ages of thirteen and twenty by providing vital comprehensive services.
Birth in color (Virginia): Birth In Color is a reproductive justice organization dedicated to maternal and reproductive health, policy, and breaking down bias and barriers for people of color.
Right From You (Missouri): Right By You is a youth-focused text line that connects Missourians with abortion care, birth care, adoption and parenting support, birth control and information about their rights.
Trinity Wellness (Maryland): Trinity Wellness’ goal is to reduce racial disparities in maternal health and reduce maternal and infant mortality. They provide postnatal health care, support, screening and concierge services.
Wellness Para La Mama (California): Wellness Para La Mama’s vision is to provide Latina mothers with treatment, support, education and resources on their maternal mental and emotional health journey.
These organizations will receive funding and technical assistance from NWHN, including:
- $15,000 in unlimited amounts of grant money for their participation in the program
- Business development by prominent reproductive justice experts in related fields
- Bi-weekly training sessions on topics such as translating practice into policy, federal advocacy, strategic planning, marketing/communications, and sustainable development
- Exclusive participation in a NWHN that he organized and led Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill
“I am ecstatic and grateful to be a part of such an amazing program and team. Is very surreal and I am very proud to be representing my community and my mothers. I hope to learn how to continue to advocate for my community and create greater policy change in maternal mental health on a larger scale.” – Susana Marroquin (LMFT, PsyD), Founder and Clinician of Wellness Para La Mama
“As the new leader of a new, small organization working in reproductive health, rights and justice, I am very excited about the opportunity to join a peer group to learn from national experts on how to grow sustainably, build our capabilities and to ensure that Right By You and its community members have a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect our communities.” – Stephanie Kraft Shelley (JD, MHA)Project Director & Founder of Right With You
“I am excitemented to principle this journey with the National Women’s Health Network, eager to absorb valuable knowledge that will empower me to advocate for health equity for the underserved communities we are dedicated to serving.” – Makaila Davis, Founder of Angels Protection Inc
“I am excited to launch the NWHN 2024 HEALTH Program, where our journey is not just about health. of a commitment to empowering, supporting and transforming lives. Together, we will redefine what holistic well-being really means, taking steps towards a healthier and fairer future for all.” – kenda sutton-elFounder & CEO of Birth In Colour
“We are excited to be part of this cohort and help advance maternal health equity in the US.” – Dr. Marilyn Berchie-Gialamas (DNP, CRNP-c), Health Director & Founder of Trinity Wellnesssmall
To learn more about the HEALTH program, visit our website.
