CDC/ATSDR Office of Women's Health
In 1994, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) established the Office of Women's Health (OWH) to promote and improve the health, safety, and quality of life for women. A woman's health encompasses all functions related to her mental and physical wellness from puberty through old age, the factors that affect wellness, and the activities and behaviors that promote it.
As the focus for women's health issues at CDC/ATSDR, OWH provides a forum for collaboration by agency staff; women's health coordinators in the regions, states, and territories; other federal agencies; academic institutions; and partners in private and public organizations. OWH works within and outside CDC/ATSDR to raise awareness of women's health and to promote activities that will improve the health and safety of women. The Office serves as an advocate for women's health issues and stimulates research, disease prevention programs, and policy development.
OWH works to inform women, public health practitioners, workplace health and safety professionals, health care providers, and others about matters related to women's health; communicates information and research findings to raise awareness about issues and populations with public health needs; and participates in campaigns and other activities to encourage healthful behaviors by women.
OWH supports a wide range of programs that address the health needs of women at various stages of life and from various racial, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Working with partners such as colleges and public and private agencies, OWH helps disseminate effective strategies to aid women in making healthy choices for themselves and their families.
Through a variety of programs and projects, including supporting research, sponsoring conferences on women's health issues, and providing the latest information on health topics of concern to women, OWH seeks innovative ways to improve the health and safety of women.
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Page last modified: February 17, 2010
Page last reviewed: February 17, 2010