Table of Contents
Breakthrough: Advances in Women’s Health
Scientific research on women’s health has historically lagged behind that on men’s, but significant progress was made this year on three fronts:
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Expanded Options and Clearer Guidance: Women of all ages now have more options and clearer guidance for their health. This includes advancements in reproductive health, menopause management, and preventive screenings. These breakthroughs are a big deal because they address the unique health needs of women and promote better overall well-being.
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Increased Funding for Women’s Health Research: The federal government and private organizations have allocated more funding for research specifically focused on women’s health. This investment will help bridge the gender gap in medical knowledge and lead to more tailored treatments and interventions for women.
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Improved Access to Women’s Health Services: Efforts have been made to improve access to essential women’s health services, such as contraception, prenatal care, and cancer screenings. This is crucial for ensuring that all women can receive the care they need to stay healthy and prevent serious health conditions.
Breakthrough: States Step Up Health Protections
While the federal government remains mired in politics, states have taken the lead in passing important health care laws. Some highlights include:
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Enshrining the Right to Reproductive Choice: Governors of 20 states, including Michigan, New Mexico, California, and Colorado, have enshrined the right to reproductive choice within their states’ borders. This is in response to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling, which threw decisions about the legality of abortion back to the states. These states are stepping up to fill the need for women who reside in places where abortion has been banned.
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Expanding Medicaid: North Carolina, along with 40 other states, has expanded Medicaid, allowing an estimated 173,000 more residents to access affordable healthcare. This expansion is part of a national effort to ensure that more people have the coverage they need to stay healthy and receive necessary medical treatments.
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Enhancing Patient Protections: New York has expanded its protection of patients seeking gender-affirming care and the physicians who provide it. This is a significant step towards ensuring that transgender and non-binary individuals have access to the healthcare services they need and deserve.
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Improving Labor and Mental Health Services: Minnesota’s newly elected Democrats have passed laws mandating businesses to provide paid family and medical leave, paid sick time for employees, and expanded services for student mental health. These changes prioritize the well-being of workers and students, recognizing the importance of work-life balance and mental health support.
Breakthrough: Clean Water for Native Americans
Access to clean water has historically been a challenge for Native Americans living on tribal lands. This year, efforts have been made to address this issue:
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Government Funding for Clean Water: Thanks to several federal laws, $278 million in government funding has been allocated to help Native American communities improve their access to clean drinking water. This funding will support initiatives to remove harmful contaminants and replace lead pipes, which contribute to poor health outcomes for Native Americans.
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Proposed Water-Quality Standards: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed baseline water-quality standards for many tribal lands. These standards aim to provide the same protections that currently exist for most other U.S. water sources. More than 80 tribes have been cleared to run water-quality standards programs, and nearly 50 tribes’ standards have been approved. This is a significant step towards ensuring that Native American communities have access to safe and clean drinking water.
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Increased Focus on Native American Health: With a Native American woman, Deb Haaland, serving as Secretary of the Interior, there is renewed attention on addressing intergenerational trauma and improving health outcomes in the Native American community. This includes initiatives to support mental health, cultural preservation, and healthcare access for Native Americans.
Breakthrough: An Expanding Network of EV Chargers
Transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. This year, significant progress has been made in expanding the network of EV chargers:
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Federal Investment in Charging Infrastructure: The federal government has initiated a multibillion-dollar plan to install half a million EV chargers across the country by 2030. This plan aims to address the lack of charging stations on public roads and highways, making it easier for drivers to switch to electric vehicles. Major automakers, including General Motors, Honda, and Kia, have also committed to building tens of thousands more charging stations to support the growing demand for EVs.
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Reducing Emissions and Promoting Health: Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change and negatively impact heart and respiratory health. By expanding the network of EV chargers, more people will be encouraged to switch to electric vehicles, resulting in fewer emissions and improved air quality. This shift towards cleaner transportation options will have significant health benefits for individuals and communities.
Breakthrough: Narcan Goes OTC
The opioid epidemic continues to be a significant public health crisis. This year, there has been a breakthrough in improving access to a life-saving medication:
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Naloxone Availability: The nasal spray naloxone, also known as Narcan, received FDA approval to be made available without a prescription. Naloxone is an antidote that can quickly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing. By making naloxone available over the counter, more people will have access to this life-saving medication, potentially saving countless lives.
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Addressing the Impact of Fentanyl: The rise in opioid-related deaths is partly attributed to the presence of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, in street drugs. Fentanyl is extremely potent and can be fatal even in small amounts. With easier access to naloxone, individuals who witness an overdose can administer the medication while waiting for medical professionals to arrive, increasing the chances of survival.
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Expanding Access to Testing Strips: Testing strips used to detect fentanyl in drugs, which were previously banned as drug paraphernalia, have recently become legal in numerous states. These strips allow individuals to test the substances they are using for the presence of fentanyl, helping to prevent overdose deaths and promote safer drug use practices.
In conclusion, 2023 has seen significant advancements in women’s health, improved health protections at the state level, increased access to clean water for Native Americans, expansion of EV charging infrastructure, and easier access to life-saving medications for opioid overdoses. These changes are the result of individuals across America standing up and demanding results for their health. By speaking up and advocating for change, we can continue to make a positive impact on public health in the years to come.