The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) was established in 1991 within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OWH coordinates women’s health efforts across HHS and addresses critical women’s health issues by informing and advancing policies, educating health care professionals and consumers, and supporting innovative programs.

In each of the Department of Health and Human Services’ 10 regions across the United States, a dedicated regional staff member serves as the area’s women’s health analyst. These Regional Women’s Health Analysts (RWHAs) are instrumental in supporting the work of OWH to improve the health of women and girls at the local level. RWHAs identify the unique health needs of women in their region and implement initiatives at the state and local levels to address those concerns.

Advocacy Opportunity:  Subscribe to receive email updates from your RWHA. Contact your Region’s analyst to introduce yourself, ask how you can consult with the activities in your region, and suggest breastfeeding and lactation initiatives pertinent to IBCLC services. Check the OWH website for more information on breastfeeding and for any funding opportunities that might apply to IBCLCs.