March is Women’s History Month, a month-long observance that celebrates the contributions and recognizes the achievements women have made to the United States.  

OMH encourages you to learn about women’s health efforts across the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The U.S. Census Bureau reflects on the advances women have made using census data. 

The HHS Office on Women’s Health (OWH) addresses critical women’s health issues by informing and advancing policies, educating healthcare professionals and consumers, and supporting innovative programs.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) strengthens and enhances research related to diseases, disorders, and conditions that affect women.

To learn how HHS has taken action to advance health equity and improve health outcomes for women and girls in America and abroad, download this fact sheet. We also encourage you to learn how certain diseases and conditions affect women and read OWH’s blog to see how federal initiatives and their research are making a difference in women’s health.  

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Nutrition Month® campaign celebrates its 50th anniversary with the theme, Fuel for the Future. The theme focuses on eating with sustainability in mind for nourishment and to protect the environment.

Good dietary habits can promote health and reduce the risk of major chronic diseases. Access to food, specifically nutritious food, is regarded as a key social determinant of health that has a direct impact on a person’s well-being. 

Lack of access to these nutritious foods may have a greater impact on racial and ethnic minority communities, residents of low-income communities, and those living in rural areas, especially older adults.  

Along with eating well, regular physical activity improves overall health and prevents diseases. Check out healthy eating and budgeting tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and physical activity guidelines from the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s Move Your Way® campaign and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.

OWH is leading National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD) on March 10 and this year’s theme is Prevention and Testing at Every Age. Care and Treatment at Every Stage. The theme focuses on equity for marginalized populations, encouraging early testing, adherence to medication, increasing conversations, and visits with healthcare providers. 

Social barriers such as racism, discrimination, and HIV stigma prevent some women from seeking and receiving high-quality health care, including HIV testing, treatment, and other preventive services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, women accounted for 19 percent of new HIV diagnoses in the United States, and Black and African American women had the highest HIV infection rate compared to all other races and ethnicities.  

To get involved and participate in critical conversations about HIV prevention, use the hashtag #NWGHAAD across social media platforms and highlight prevention methods to reduce HIV among women using the OWH social media toolkit.  

Every year, the National Native HIV Network plans and recognizes National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NNHAAD) on the first day of spring. This year, the theme is Reflection. Celebration. Rejuvenation. 

The observance is a national mobilization effort designed to encourage AI/AN and Native Hawaiian communities across the United States and territorial areas to get educated about prevention, testing, and treatment for HIV—a virus that can lead to AIDS if left untreated. 

According to Indian Health Service (IHS), as many as 34 percent of the AI/AN people living with HIV infection do not know it. HIV can be transmitted by having unprotected sex with someone who has HIV or by sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment. 

Keep up with the latest updates about NNHAAD on social media using the hashtag #NNHAAD and discover more information on HIV/AIDS prevention by visiting the IHS HIV resources and prevention tools webpage.