Black Women’s Health Imperative Releases 2025–2026 National Health Policy Agenda: Centering Black Women in a Time of Crisis and Change
ATLANTA, GA (October 30, 2025) — The Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to solving the most critical health issues that Black women and girls face, has released its A Roadmap for Change: Black Women’s National Health Policy Agenda 2025–2026, a bold framework for advancing equity in the face of unprecedented political, economic, and technological change.
This year’s Policy Agenda is being released during a historic government shutdown that has left millions of families uncertain about their futures. The recent federal spending bill has gutted Medicaid and other safety-net programs, threatening access to care for millions and leaving Black women among the hardest hit.
BWHI’s new Agenda builds on more than four decades of advocacy, offering actionable solutions to protect the health, safety, and economic security of Black women. The 2025–2026 Agenda is centered on our five key pillars:
- Access to Quality and Affordable Health Care
- Healthy Families and Children First
- Equitable Governance and Relationships
- Employment and Education Justice and Equity
- Technology Access and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Each pillar outlines specific policy recommendations to guide lawmakers, advocates, and communities in building systems that truly work for all.
“This is a defining moment for Black women in America,” said Joy D. Calloway, MBA, President and CEO of BWHI. “At a time when access to care is being stripped away and economic stability is under attack, our Agenda stands as a blueprint for justice and a lifeline for those left behind. Black women deserve more than survival. We deserve policies that affirm our lives, our families, and our futures.”
Dr. Ifeoma C. Udoh, Executive Vice President of Policy and Research, emphasized the growing urgency for data-driven action and innovation. “Health equity cannot exist without policy equity,” said Dr. Udoh. “Our research shows that systemic barriers continue to limit access to care, fair employment, and emerging technologies. As artificial intelligence reshapes medicine and public health, BWHI is ensuring that Black women are not left behind, but are leading the conversation on ethical and equitable innovation.”
The National Health Policy Agenda also draws attention to the ripple effects of the federal shutdown and widespread job losses, while calling for investment in community-based care models, mental health resources, and digital inclusion.
Since its founding, BWHI has served as a trusted voice and advocate for the 21 million Black women and girls across the United States. This latest policy roadmap is both a call to action and a declaration of purpose: to ensure that Black women not only survive but thrive.
Access the full 2025–2026 Black Women’s National Health Policy Agenda.
Media Contact:
Charmaine Leary, Actum
teambwhi@actumllc.com