Office of Women's Health

The Office of Women's Health (OWH) was created by Alabama Legislature Act 2002-141 to be an advocate for women's health issues. The purpose of the office as described in the legislation is as follows:

• To educate the public and be an advocate for women's health by establishing appropriate forums to educate the public regarding women's health, with an emphasis on preventive health and healthy lifestyles.
• To assist the state health officer in identifying, coordinating, and establishing priorities for programs, services, and resources the state should provide for women's health issues and concerns.
• To serve as a clearinghouse and resource for information regarding women's health data, services, and programs that address women's health issues.
• To provide an annual report on the status of women's health and activities of the office to the Governor and the Legislature.

The law provides for an advisory committee for the office. The Steering Committee consists of the following:

• Three physicians appointed by the Medical Association of the State of Alabama.
• Three nurses appointed by the Alabama State Nurses Association.
• Three pharmacists appointed by the Alabama Pharmaceutical Association.
• Three employers appointed by the Business Council of Alabama.
• One consumer appointed by the Governor, one appointed by the Lieutenant Governor, and one appointed by the Speaker of the House.
• Three members appointed by the Alabama Hospital Association.
• Three registered dietitians appointed by the Alabama Dietetic Association.

The office is housed in Montgomery in the Bureau of Family Health Services, and serves as an administrative women's health resource for the department.