BISA Attends 60th NIH AC Meeting of Research on Women’s Health
Available virtually, BISA team members streamed the 60th meeting of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health (ACRWH).
Held on April 9, 2024, the meeting featured a presentation on NIH inclusion, an update on the White House Women’s Health Research Initiative, and a panel discussion. The panel discussion focused on the Middle-Life Health of Women and Menopause, featuring experts from various organizations and universities.
The meeting agenda included multiple sessions. We’ve identified a few sessions that are particularly interesting and important to note:
Introduction of the NIH Deputy Director for Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives
Enhancing Community Engagement at ORWH
White House Women’s Health Research Initiative Update
Concept Clearance: NIH Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (OADRORWH) Notice of Special Interest (NOSI)
A full re-play of the webcast is available for free.
What is the Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health (ACRWH)?
ACRWH, a Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) committee, was established to provide advice and make recommendations on priority issues impacting women’s health and sex differences research. ACRWH advises the ORWH director on appropriate NIH research activities, reviews NIH’s women’s health research portfolio, surveys goals for scientific career development, and assesses the inclusion of women and minorities in NIH clinical research. ACRWH members include physicians, practitioners, scientists, and other non-federal health professionals.
The next ACRWH meeting is scheduled for October 16, 2024. The hybrid meeting will be available virtually or in person at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland.
What is the Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH)?
Established in September 1990, the ORWH is the first Public Health Service office dedicated to promoting women's health research within and beyond the NIH scientific community. Learn more about the ORWH.
ICYMI: White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research
The White House announced its first-ever initiative on women’s health research. First Lady Jill Biden and the White House Gender Policy Council are leading the effort on Nov. 13, 2023. A statement from First Lady Jill Biden said:
“Every woman I know has a story about leaving her doctor’s office with more questions than answers. Not because our doctors are withholding information, but because there’s just not enough research yet on how to best manage and treat even common women’s health conditions. In 2023, that is unacceptable. Our new White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research will help change that by identifying bold solutions to uncover the answers that every woman and her family deserves. We also are calling on congressional leaders, the private sector, research institutions, and philanthropy to join us in taking urgent action to improve the health and lives of women throughout the nation.”
“When it comes to leaving our doctor’s office without answers, many of us can relate to the First Lady’s words.
Research — free from conflicts of interest — is lacking for women’s health… even when it comes to medical devices, including breast implants.
We look forward to a future with knowledge at the foundation.”
— Maria Gmitro, BISA President and Founder
About Breast Implant Safety Alliance: BISA is a 501(c)3 women-owned nonprofit, patient-centered organization dedicated to improving breast implant safety and awareness—through direct collaboration with consumers, medical professionals, manufacturers, regulators, and advocates. BISA is a 100% volunteer organization not funded by implant manufacturers.
Media Contact: Maria Gmitro | maria@bisanonprofit.org | 843.501.6873