BWHI is the first and only national non-profit solely dedicated to achieving health equity for Black women in America. Founded in 1983 by Byllye Y. Avery as the National Black Women’s Health Project at a conference on the campus of Spelman College, BWHI has evolved into a nationally recognized organization leading health policy, education, research, knowledge and leadership development and communications designed to improve the healthy outcomes of Black women.
Vision
All Black women will enjoy optimal health in a society that promotes health equity, social and reproductive justice.
We partner with Black women on their “life-health” journey
Led for the past eight years by President, Linda Goler Blount, MPH, BWHI continues to be dedicated to promoting the physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being of the nation’s 21 million African American women and girls. Elevating the concerns and inequities that impact Black women to the national stage. Combining science, advocacy, and action to eliminate barriers to wellness for Black women.
Innovating & Investing
Since inception, BWHI has invested millions to preserve and advance the health and wellness of women and girls.
10 years of partnering with the CDC as one of their top-performing grantees delivering our signature evidence-based lifestyle change program CYL2.
Established a rare disease diversity council and helped introduce the Sickle Cell Disease Expansion Act – H.R. 7177.
Led national campaigns featuring Mary J Blige, Ciara, NFL Players, and the WNBA, among others, to build awareness, propel policy and provider behavior change.
Teamed up with organizations across the country to bring life-saving screenings along with diagnostic follow-up and treatment if needed to underserved women.
Spearheaded innovations and transformational research into workplace equity.
Launched the BWHI Change Agency- the first of its kind culturally tailored capacity building designated CDC training entity.
ACT TODAY
TAKE ACTION
With your support, we can increase the number of healthy Black women in the U.S. from 9.5 miliion to 12.5 million by the end 2022.
News & Media
At BWHI, we are working daily for health equity for Black women & girls. See where we are and what we are doing.