NGO launches programme to support servicewomen in the US

The American NGO HealthyWomen has launched a programme to address the health challenges facing servicewomen in the US.

The Ready, Healthy & Able platform aims to provide women reliable resources necessary to make informed choices and take control of their health.

Representing 17 per cent – 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 US military has never before had a higher percentage of women, yet research shows military healthcare services have not evolved to reflect the 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.

The first phase of the Ready, Healthy & Able programme will address the lack of gender-specific healthcare resources, focusing on areas such as reproductive, urologic and mental health.

The goals of this campaign are to encourage servicewomen to take a proactive and informed role in their healthcare throughout their military careers,  elevate understanding and awareness of women’s health conditions and women-focused healthcare services within the military branches and educate healthcare professionals working with servicewomen.

“It is time for military healthcare to become more tailored to the needs of servicewomen and servicemembers with female biology, who are dedicated to protecting and serving this country,” said Beth Battaglino, CEO of HealthyWomen.

“Through this programme, we are looking to empower and educate servicewomen, service members with female biology and their healthcare providers on the best ways to manage and access the healthcare resources and services needed to maintain mission readiness.”

A select group of multidisciplinary military health experts has taken part in Ready, Healthy & Able.

The consortium has provided insight and experience to identify the goals of the programme, create the healthcare provider curriculum and provide information on the most pressing health topics.

Dr Ada Stewart, a co-facilitator of the consortium, said: “We know the vital role women have in the military and need to ensure their health and wellness is a top priority.

“As both a physician and an active member in the US Army Reserves, I understand the importance of raising awareness, education and training when addressing these unique needs.”

Additionally, the programme aims to provide the military healthcare community with more resources, including an accredited and clinically sound educational curriculum, as well as training on communication and counselling with an emphasis on cultural sensitivity and an understanding of gender-based differences.

Dr Toni Marengo, a co-facilitator of the consortium, said: “As a proud Navy veteran and OB-GYN, I have seen firsthand that many servicewomen face obstacles when trying to access basic medical care, particularly when it comes to reproductive health.

“It is so important for the military medical community to have the correct resources and training in order to best serve their patients.”

The topics in the curriculum will include reproductive, urological and mental health and they 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.