Mission, History, and Functions
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OWH Mission
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its Vision is to ensure that "All Women and Girls are Healthier and Have a Better Sense of Well Being." Its mission is to "provide leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through sex/gender-specific approaches." The strategy OWH uses to achieve its mission and vision is through the development of innovative programs, by educating health professionals, and motivating behavior change in consumers through the dissemination of health information.
History of OWH
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) was established in 1991 to improve the health of American women by advancing and coordinating a comprehensive women's health agenda throughout the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to address health care prevention and service delivery, research, public and health care professional education, and career advancement for women in the health professions and in scientific careers. The Office also works with numerous government agencies, non-profit organizations, consumer groups, and associations of health care professionals. During the early part of this decade, the OWH focused on developing women's health as a specialized issue for government action and attention. With women's health now firmly rooted in the national health landscape, the OWH is focusing on women's health priorities to meet the sweeping demographic trends of the next century and to focus on the millions of underserved women in America.
Functions of OWH
The Office on Women's Health (OWH) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the government's champion and focal point for women's health issues. OWH works to redress inequities in research, health care services, and education that have historically placed the health of women at risk. The Office on Women's Health (OWH) promotes women's health through its four basic functions.
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Coordinating and Promoting Collaborations among DHHS Agencies and Offices: OWH serves as the coordinating office for women's health initiatives across the agencies of HHS, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies and offices.
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Providing Information on Research, Prevention and Services to Assist Decision-Makers: OWH convenes and consults with federal departments, the scientific community, professional organizations, and consumer groups to support and advance women's health.
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Identifying, Developing and Supporting Model Programs and Innovations in Women's Health: OWH promotes the development and implementation of model initiatives in academic centers and communities all over the United States to address the health needs of women across different ages, cultures, races, and ethnic groups, including delivery of care to women and education of health care practitioners about women's health.
- Educating Health and Wellness Professionals and Consumers: OWH promotes comprehensive health services for women across their lifespan. OWH also supports the development and use of culturally appropriate practices in medical education and research, so all individuals and communities benefit. Through its efforts, OWH brings reliable information on hundreds of health topics to women in every region of America. It also helps consumers, associations, and organizations voice their ideas about the federal government's policies on women's health.
OWH Internships
The Office on Women's Health is looking for a few good men and women to fill full-time and year-round internship positions. We are looking for hardworking, passionate, and committed undergraduate and graduate students seeking opportunities to gain valuable Federal work experiences and to assist fulfilling academic requirements in relevant fields of study.
Learn more about requirements, compensation, availability and more.
The contact person for OWH Internships is Susan Sanders.
Directory of Residency and Fellowship Programs in Women's Health
The Directory of Residency and Fellowship Programs in Women's Health is being produced in partnership with the VCU National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health, and the Journal of Women's Health. Please contact Janett Forte, Coordinator VCU National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health, 804-327-8843, jforte@vcu.edu, with any questions.
Our Logo
 The three women depicted on the "Every Woman" logo tell the story of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services. We at the OWH adopted the logo, developed by the Michigan Department of Health, because it embodies the true spirit of our mission. Representing an array of racial, ethnic, cultural communities and professional backgrounds, from across the country and around the world, the OWH staff is committed to addressing the many health issues facing diverse female populations throughout the life span. Printed on our many publications, and posted around our offices, the logo serves as a constant reminder and symbol of encouragement to meet the Department's mandate of improving the health of every woman.
Current as of July 2005
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