The Network's 12 Policy Pillars

In 2022, the Network refreshed our policy priorities to be more inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the nation’s health needs.

The National Women’s Health Network (The Network) was founded in 1975 – almost half a century ago. We understand that to remain true to our progressive and feminist roots, we must continually evaluate and update what we do and how we do it as the world changes around us.  
 
To this end, the board and staff came together this year for strategic planning and refreshed our policy priorities to be more inclusive, impactful, and responsive to the nation’s health policy needs.  
 
These priorities, or pillars, are informed by the science and the lived experiences of health care consumers (that’s you). Read on to learn more about our 12 Policy Pillars and the signature issue areas we’ll be focusing on in the coming months.

 

Need Information on a Specific Pillar? Click to Jump to:

Aging Women

Aging Women Our Track Record: The Network is made up of hundreds of vintage vanguards who need to be seen,…

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Maternal Health

Maternal Health Our Track Record: There are real maternal health disparities in this country, particularly for Black women, who are…

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Sexual & Reproductive Health

Sexual & Reproductive Health Click here to edit the announcement-bar module. This text is only for editing and will disappear…

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Abortion

Abortion Our Track Record: The Network has supported access to safe, legal, and affordable abortion care since our founding. We’ve…

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Contraception

Contraception Our Track Record: The NWHN believes that people can and do make good decisions about contraception (commonly known as…

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Disability

Disability Our Track Record: The Network has always sought to elevate stories of people living with disabilities and their caregivers….

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FDA Advocacy

FDA Advocacy Our Track Record: The Network knows how the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) works better than most watchdog…

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Breast Health

Breast Health Our Track Record: The NWHN’s work on breast health has helped decrease the incidence rate  of breast cancer…

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Chronic Conditions

Chronic Conditions Why Spoons? Read here. Our Track Record: The Network has a long history of raising awareness around several…

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LGBTQAI+ Health

LGBTQAI+ Health Our Track Record: The Network believes that everyone deserves access to equitable, high-quality, and comprehensive health care regardless…

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Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mental Health & wellbeing Our Track Record: The NWHN consistently raises up current events, content, and research at the intersection…

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The Social Determinants of Health 

The Social Determinants of Health Our Track Record: The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are conditions in the places where…

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Change Lives (Including Yours). Get Involved.

By deepening your relationship with the Network, you can:

  • Improve health care access and equity across the nation
  • Build your skills in communications, development, management, health policy & advocacy, community organizing, and more
  • Expand your professional circle with prospective mentors, employers, and subject matter experts
  • Connect with an audience millions strong that wants to learn about brands that share their values

 

Current Opportunities

  • Become an NWHN member. With your annual donation of just $15, you’ll receive:
    • A 12 month membership to the NWHN
    • Subscription to our exclusive quarterly newsletter
    • Member mobilization updates and advocacy opportunities
    • Invitations to annual events
  • Sponsor a policy pillar. Are you passionate about an area we’re working on? Contact our Interim Development Director Rachel Branaman at rbranaman@nwhn.org to learn how you can help us make an impact and access our audience of:
    • 21K email subscribers
    • 17K social media followers
    • 2 million website visitors
  • Apply to be a guest on our podcast. Your Health Unlocked empowers you to make better health care decisions by elevating reliable information and stories about today’s most pressing health topics. Pitch us an episode by filling out this short E-form today.
  • Volunteer with us. We are always looking for passionate and motivated volunteers who want to hone their skills in communications, development, management, health policy & advocacy, community organizing, and more. Fill out this short volunteer interest form, and a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.