By Millicent Gorham

Big challenges in women’s health don’t get solved in isolation. We know that progress happens when the right people are in the room, asking better questions and pushing for sharper answers. That was the focus of AWHP’s third annual Leadership Meeting, where leaders across health policy and patient advocacy came together to turn shared priorities into forward momentum.

What emerged from our time together is a shared commitment to ensuring that all women and girls have access to the care they need to live healthy lives.

I am truly grateful to our Board of Directors, Advisory Council members, and Corporate Roundtable members whose leadership, expertise, and partnership are critical to tackling these challenges and moving this work forward. As AWHP continues its efforts through 2026, I want to share a few key insights from these discussions that will guide our future work:

Advancing Preventive Health Policy

The AWHP team convened a bipartisan discussion on health policy, bringing together experienced policy and advocacy leaders to share practical insights on engaging both Republican and Democratic offices. Speakers highlighted effective strategies for building relationships, tailoring messaging, and advancing policy priorities on both sides of the aisle — emphasizing the power of data and patient storytelling in shaping policy outcomes. The session also included an overview of AWHP’s 2026 Policy Agenda.

Expanding Obesity Care Coverage

Obesity is a chronic disease and a critical women’s health issue that continues to face coverage gaps. At our recent Leadership Meeting, AWHP highlighted the EveryBODY Covered campaign, which is educating and activating more than 100,000 advocates to expand access to comprehensive, evidence-based obesity care. Leaders discussed strategies for engaging policymakers and employers to help ensure that everyBODY living with obesity has coverage for the care they deserve.

Closing Urban and Rural Health Gaps

Sadly, where you live too often shapes the care you receive. From rural communities to urban centers, barriers to preventive care persist and are being addressed in silos. AWHP leaders emphasized the need for stronger, more unified coalitions that cut across geographies.

Reaching and Working with Congress 

With so many competing priorities before Congress, it can be challenging for any organization to break through the noise. We were pleased to welcome Dr. Cameryn Blackmore, Policy Advisor, Office of Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), and Sophie Trainor Khanahmadi, Vice President, LMH Strategic Solutions, LLC; Former Deputy Staff Director, House Committee on Energy & Commerce; and Former Chief of Staff, Office of Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY). Together, they explored bipartisan health policy issues affecting both Republican and Democratic Congressional offices, including gaps in patient proximity to care, as well as persistent challenges related to cost and access. Both emphasized that effective strategies to strengthen advocates’ working relationships with congressional offices, particularly those that regularly engage with an organization’s priorities on Capitol Hill, are essential to advancing meaningful policy outcomes. 

AI, Social Media, and Public Trust

Artificial intelligence (AI) and digital platforms are rapidly reshaping how women access and engage with health information, bringing both opportunity and risk. During the meeting, Damon Davis, Founder and Managing Partner of Adaptive Intel, highlighted how emerging AI tools can strengthen advocacy efforts and expand reach. At the same time, Jen Bordenick, Chief Strategy Officer of Unbiased Science, led a conversation on the growing impact of health misinformation and the need to communicate clear, evidence-based information to broad audiences. As these technologies continue to evolve, AWHP is committed to ensuring they are used responsibly and that women have access to accurate, science-based resources they can trust.