What is the Action for Women's Health initiative?

The Action for Women's Health initiative is a $250 million global program launched in 2024 to improve women's mental and physical health, funded by Pivotal and managed by Lever for Change.

How did the Seattle Indian Health Board benefit from the Action for Women's Health initiative?

The Seattle Indian Health Board received a grant ranging from $1 million to $5 million through the Action for Women's Health initiative, which will allow the organization to save its entire family services division, including programs supporting pregnant women and survivors of intimate partner violence.

What are the health disparities faced by Native American and Alaska Native women in Washington state?

According to the article, American Indian and Alaska Native women in Washington state are 8.5 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions than non-Hispanic white women, and a survey found that 94% of Native women in Seattle reported being raped or coerced into sex at some point in their lives.

Home / Health / $250M Initiative Rescues Seattle's Native Women's Health Programs

$250M Initiative Rescues Seattle's Native Women's Health Programs

13 Nov

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Summary

$1M-$5M grants awarded to 80+ organizations worldwide
Funding to strengthen maternal, behavioral, and intimate partner violence services
Dire need highlighted by high maternal mortality, sexual violence rates for Native women

$250M Initiative Rescues Seattle's Native Women's Health Programs

In a major boost for women's health, the Seattle Indian Health Board has received substantial funding through a $250 million global initiative launched last year. The organization was among over 80 groups worldwide selected to receive grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million.

The initiative, called Action for Women's Health, is funded by Pivotal, a group of impact organizations founded by Melinda French Gates, and managed by Lever for Change. It aims to improve mental and physical health outcomes for women, with a particular focus on underserved communities.

For the Seattle Indian Health Board, this funding comes at a critical time. Several of its key services, including programs supporting pregnant women and survivors of intimate partner violence, were at risk due to federal funding cuts. "This funding is going to save our entire family services division," said Esther Lucero, the organization's president and CEO.