READY, HEALTHY & ABLE: HealthyWomen Launches New Program to Provide Servicewomen and Healthcare Providers Content and Resources to Take Control of Their Health

Representing 17% (nearly 250,000) of all active duty service members, women are now serving in all capacities within every branch of the armed forces, including combat. The U.S. military has never before had a higher percentage of women, yet military healthcare services have not evolved to reflect this changing population. There are gaps in essential healthcare tailored to the physical and psychological well-being of women and people with female biology, leaving them feeling unseen, unhealthy and unappreciated. This is especially true if they are a person of color.

There are gaps in essential healthcare tailored to the well-being of women and people with female biology, leaving them feeling unseen, unhealthy and unappreciated.

A select group of multidisciplinary military health experts who share a passion for improving the health and wellness of active duty service members have been an integral part of the Ready, Healthy & Able program. This consortium has provided unique insight and experience, including identifying the goals of the program, creating the healthcare provider curriculum and providing information on the most pressing health topics.

“We know the vital role women have in the military and need to ensure their health and wellness is a top priority,” said Dr. Ada Stewart, a co-facilitator of the consortium. “As both a physician and an active member in the U.S. Army Reserves, I understand the importance of raising awareness, education and training when addressing these unique needs.”

Essential clinical topics in the curriculum will include reproductive, urological and mental health. These topics will be further divided into reproductive health basics, contraception, pelvic pain and endometriosis, sexually transmitted infections (STI), urinary and vaginal infections, and mental health and wellness.

Servicewomen and service members with female biology are dedicated to protecting and serving this country. It’s time for us to do the same for them so they will be Ready, Healthy & Able to succeed.

This program is supported by the following Ready, Healthy & Able program funders:

BD
Bristol-Myers Squibb
EMD Serono, Inc.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Gynesonics
Hologic
Merck & Co.
Myovant Sciences
Organon & Co.
Pfizer Inc.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A
Vitatris

For more information visit https://military.healthywomen.org.