U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra has announced a $100 million investment in women’s health research. The funding will be provided through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), an agency within HHS, as disclosed during Becerra's visit to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire.
According to an HHS news release, First Lady Jill Biden was present when Becerra made the announcement. This occurred while he was preparing to speak at the Wall Street Journal's annual Health Forum and interact with students at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics. The announcement is part of the Biden administration’s Investing in America tour, aimed at showcasing the impact of President Joe Biden’s agenda across various communities nationwide. U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) also attended the event and met with officials from the Moms in Recovery Program, a program designed to assist mothers battling substance abuse issues.
Becerra said, "The issue of healthcare for women has faced challenges longer than any of us have been alive: scientific challenges, clinical challenges, political challenges, and now this week, down in Alabama, another legal challenge." He added that President Joe Biden made ARPA-H's announcement possible with a $100 million commitment. "That is everything. And with the First Lady launching this White House initiative on women's health research, we have the focus we need," Becerra stated.
The news release also emphasized that maternal health remains a top priority for HHS under the Biden administration. The administration is urging all states and territories to utilize funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide continuous postpartum coverage for a full year through Medicaid and CHIP.
Becerra further stated that there is still much work to be done to advance knowledge and medical treatment for conditions affecting women. "Women are dramatically under-represented in research into critical issues, including coronary issues and autoimmune diseases," he said. "Women have their needs overlooked or are left out entirely from scientific and health research overall."
