Women in Global Health
The Seattle Chapter of Women in Global Health holds their next quarterly gathering on June 5 at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. The event kicks off with an inspirational interview with Dawn Trudeau, co-owner of the Seattle Storm. Following the interview, stay for a fireside chat with Kelly Casperson, a medical expert on a mission to empower women to live their best love lives and to help change the medical system so women receive better health care. Later, join a discussion with Mercer and Premera Blue Cross to learn about the roadmap of leading medical carriers, how they are addressing changing life stages for women, and what type of care navigation, medical support, and solutions are here now or on the horizon. And after that will be opportunities for networking and refreshments.
Mapping environmental health
The Washington State Department of Health (WADOH) shared its interactive Washington Environmental Health Disparities Map, a dynamic tool designed to compare communities across the state for environmental health disparities. According to WADOH, sources of pollution have been disproportionately built in communities inhabited by people of color, tribal and indigenous groups, and individuals with low incomes. The map visualizes pollution measures such as diesel emissions, ozone levels, and proximity to hazardous waste sites. It also highlights socioeconomic indicators like poverty rates and prevalence of cardiovascular disease. This innovative tool offers valuable insights into where public investments can be prioritized to buffer environmental health impacts on Washington's communities to ensure equitable access to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all the state’s residents.
Red meat risks
New research from Fred Hutch Cancer Center and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center sheds light on the risks associated with consuming red or processed meat, uncovering two genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 40 percent. Colorectal cancer ranks as the third-most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. The study, employing a gene-diet interaction analysis, aimed to identify genetic variants that increase risk for these cancers. Analyzing data from around 30,000 colorectal cancer patients and approximately 39,000 healthy controls, researchers looked at factors including diet, age, food intake, and obesity. Results showed that older adults, those who were obese, and those who ate more calories daily were at a greater risk for developing the disease, as were those who ate more meat.
Mental health in health care
May is mental health awareness month and International Medical Corps participated by sharing their new study: Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Primary Health Care. This multi-country implementation research (conducted in the Middle East and North Africa Region) contributes to a deeper understanding of the mental health and psychosocial support needs of children, adolescents, pregnant women, and new mothers in humanitarian settings. The study also aimed to identify available mental health services and critical gaps in promotion, prevention, and care. Additionally, it examined treatment interventions within primary health care and its linkages to social welfare, child protection, and education sectors.
XCHANGEing ideas
The Global Health Innovation XCHANGE, in collaboration with its newest Innovative Organization members, has applied to the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Sprint for Women’s Health! ARPA-H, established by President Biden in 2022, aims to address the historic underfunding of women’s health research and accelerate solutions for women’s health issues.
Through upcoming funding opportunities, ARPA-H seeks innovative ideas to improve women's health outcomes, addressing underrepresentation in scientific research. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of XCHANGE and its members to advancing women’s health research and driving impactful change in health care.
The XCHANGE is a public-private membership platform with a mission to advance inclusive and equitable global health innovations by cultivating a dynamic, diverse community of private and public visionary organizations and innovators. Together, we collaborate to advance health solutions that meet the needs of all people. Learn more here.
Around the community
May 24 –June 9: Submissions are now open for the Washington State Department of Health’s Health Equity Zone for Native Communities initiative. Native and tribal communities are eligible to receive funding to help improve health outcomes, develop organizational infrastructure to support community decision-making, identify health priorities, and develop culturally relevant health strategies.
June 1: Join Fred Hutch Cancer Center for their 18th annual survivorship event, Moving Beyond Cancer to Wellness! This free conference is designed to provide information on a variety of side effects, including late and long term, faced by cancer survivors, to promote wellness and empowerment.
June 5: Register now for the Women in Global Health Seattle Chapter’s quarterly gathering at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center.
June 26: Save the date for WGHA’s next XCHANGE webinar, speakers and details to follow soon. Register now to secure your spot!