As part of the Administration’s efforts to combat drug addiction and the opioid epidemic, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health (OWH) today announced 16 awards to public and private nonprofit entities across the nation. Sixteen projects covering 16 cities in 12 states were selected to address the primary and/or secondary prevention of prescription and illegal opioid misuse by women across the lifespan. Funds will be used to reach girls aged 10-17 years, women of reproductive age, and women aged 50 years and older in underserved populations.

“As part of a nationwide listening tour, I’ve heard from folks around this nation how opioid misuse takes a heavy toll on the quality of life and life expectancy of women,” said HHS Secretary Tom Price, M.D. “President Trump and HHS are committed to working with those on the front lines of this national crisis to find innovative ways to help women and girls most at risk. These awards are an opportunity for us to work together and implement successful strategies to reduce opioid dependence and prevent opioid related deaths among women and all Americans.”

Last month a report issued by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that hospitalizations involving opioid pain relievers and heroin increased 75 percent for women between 2005 and 2014, compared to a 55 percent increase among men. Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 1999 and 2015, overdose deaths from prescription pain killers increased 218 percent in men, while for women it increased over 471 percent. Between 2002 and 2013, heroin use among men increased 50 percent, compared to 100 percent in women.

“There is emerging knowledge about the many factors affecting opioid use and misuse by women, including biological, demographic and social factors,” said Vanila Singh, M.D., chief medical officer for the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. “These awards will build partnerships among community-based organizations that consider the unique needs of women and girls; with the ultimate goal of preventing and reducing the impact of the opioid epidemic.”

The organizations each receiving awards of approximately $100,000 are:

• Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Diseases, Oakland, California and our partners East Bay Safe Prescribing Coalition and Alameda Health Services 
• Volunteers of America of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
• Community Clinics Health Network, San Diego, California
• The Wheeler Clinic Inc., Plainville, Connecticut
• Northeast Florida Healthy Start Coalition Inc., Jacksonville, Florida
• Parent Child Center Community Wellness Center, Oak Park, Illinois
• Iowa Department of Public Health, Des Moines, Iowa
• Capitol Area Human Services District, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Western Maryland Area Health Education Center, Cumberland, Maryland
• Institute for Health and Recovery Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex, East Brunswick, New Jersey
• Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey
• Cardea Services, Austin, Texas
• The Lakes Community Health Center, Inc., Iron River, Wisconsin
• City of Janesville, Janesville, Wisconsin

In addition to the grant awards, OWH also recently issued a report that examined the impact of the opioid epidemic on women and highlighted promising practices that address their specific needs.

For additional information on the HHS Secretary’s Initiative aimed at reducing prescription opioid and heroin related overdose, deaths, and dependence, visit: www.hhs.gov/opioids.

For additional information on OWH’s programs and initiatives visit: www.womenshealth.gov.