A Roadmap for Change: Black Women’s National Health Policy Agenda 2025–2026
This year’s National Health Policy Agenda reflects the Black Women’s Health Imperative’s commitment to solve the most critical health issues facing Black women and girls through innovative programs, transformative research, and life-saving policies. It advances solutions that place Black women at the center of national conversations on health, economic security, and technology. Through our 5 policy pillars, we tackle Medicaid access, reproductive justice, maternal mortality, chronic disease, and the ethical use of AI in healthcare. And we call on policymakers not just to see us or hear us, but to act boldly, urgently, and in partnership to deliver lasting change.
A BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTH IMPERATIVE SURVEY: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Black Women During the Menopausal Transition
BWHI conducted the largest ever cross-sectional online survey in 2025 of U.S. based Black women ages 30 and older to better understand their experiences, symptoms, needs and knowledge related to menopause. The mixed-methods analysis included quantitative data and qualitative responses. After data cleaning, the final sample included 2,251 eligible respondents of which 1,547 identified themselves as Black women.
BWHI Reproductive Health Listening Session Findings
The BWHI listening sessions highlight several key themes regarding the introduction of Opill, an over-the-counter (OTC) birth control pill. A major theme is the general lack of awareness about Opill and OTC contraceptive options in general, with only 26% of women aged 18 to 49 aware of Opill.7 Many women remain unfamiliar with OTC birth control, often relying on prescriptions from healthcare providers. The sessions revealed that, despite the availability of OTC options, there is limited promotion or education about them, particularly among younger individuals, which may contribute to this gap in awareness.
Black Women Vote 2024 Health Policy Voters Guide
At the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), we are committed to addressing these urgent issues through innovative programs, research, policy, and advocacy that promote the health and wellness of Black women and girls. To support our community during this crucial election season, we are proud to present the Black Women Vote 2024 Health Policy Voters Guide.
Addressing Health Disparities in Rare Diseases through Comprehensive Data Collection
RDDC believes firmly in collaboration and leveraging the input of stakeholders, including rare disease patients and families, who experience daily the struggles of these issues; patient organizations, who represent and unite those most affected; clinicians and researchers, who drive understanding and evidence across the medical community; private-sector groups, which play a crucial role in supporting research; and policymakers, who drive changes in government policy that lead to progress.
ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC:
A Call to Action: Policy Initiatives to End HIV Among Black Women
IN RECENT YEARS, significant progress has been made in lowering rates of HIV transmission among U.S. women, including U.S. Black women. This progress is now at risk. It is crucial to take more focused and strategic actions to protect and enhance this progress by recognizing and empowering Black women as visible and valuable partners in the fight to end the HIV epidemic.
INDEXUS
What Healthy Black Women Can Teach Us About Health
Get the first health index based on healthy Black women. Download your copy of IndexUS: What Healthy Black Women Can Teach Us About Health today!