First Lady Jill Biden throws big support to women’s health research

First Lady Jill Biden announced a significant commitment of $100 million in federal funding to advance research that advances, in her words, “a health care system that centers women and their lived experiences.” It was just announced.

Three years after taking office, the first lady’s announcements focus on her platform’s centralizing power as the president’s spouse.

The duties of a first lady and the role these women play within the administration are often misunderstood or relegated to a “second story” of American history. But I’ve seen firsthand the impact of this office in my many years working in the White House and leading its efforts over the past decade. American University School of Public Affairs An organization that researches and promotes the legacy of America’s first ladies. From both experiences, one thing is clear. That means we shouldn’t underestimate the influence of the president’s spouse.

For women over 60, here’s how many steps you should take each day to protect your heart health.

First ladies have long been called upon to advocate for causes related to the well-being of Americans, especially public health. The challenge for each first lady is how to prioritize demands and use the platform to improve services to the public and advance social progress as times change.

Caroline Harrison, a first lady in the 1890s, was asked to help raise money for the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Remarkably, she agreed, but with one condition. That means the facility must accept women.

Dr. Biden joins modern-day predecessors who have led positive changes in our nation’s public health, especially women’s health. Consider Laura Bush’s leadership of the Heart Truth campaign, a public-private partnership aimed at tackling heart disease, the leading cause of death among women. Mrs. Bush and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) teamed up with the fashion industry to launch the Red Dress Campaign to raise awareness in households across the country and encourage brands like Coca-Cola to join the movement. .

Similarly, it is worth placing Dr. Biden’s work in the context of Betty Ford confronting stigma surrounding both breast cancer and addiction during and after her time in the White House. When she died in 2014, President Barack Obama said, “Mrs. Ford reduced the social stigma surrounding her addiction and inspired thousands of people to seek much-needed treatment.” praised his achievements.

For more FOX News opinions, click here

In fact, her candor on topics hitherto kept behind closed doors led the way to deeper social awareness and health care improvements – Dr. Biden to honor Betty Ford at upcoming White House ceremony The United States Post Office will recognize this fact with the release of its stamps this week.

In women’s health — a broad topic with tangible implications for American women — Dr. Biden has now identified a powerful platform for herself. Her efforts reflect a recognition of a cultural moment in which there is a relative lack of research on women’s unique health challenges. She responded to and amplified expert advice that this type of investment “would change everything.”

The development of her historic announcement had smart tactics behind it, including incorporating private sector partners as the key to delivering tangible success, as seen from Laura Bush in ‘Heart Truth’ as well as giving the message bipartisan appeal.

Leveraging lesser-known branches of vast government agencies means government tools can be strategically deployed and partnered with startups and innovators who can take the risks necessary to advance life-changing discoveries. It reminds us that we play a valuable role.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

First ladies have long been called upon to advocate for causes related to the well-being of Americans, especially public health. The challenge for each first lady is how to prioritize demands and use the platform to improve services to the public and advance social progress as times change.

The timeline for next year’s accomplishments is ambitious, and with the State of the Union and Super Tuesday approaching, Dr. Biden is certainly conscious of the timing of his announcement.

Women currently vote more than men, and in an election year, the impact of Biden’s voice should not be underestimated. For this first lady, upon entering her White House, she did not feel pressured to choose one issue, but rather chose to proactively address all issues that required her attention. , she made this choice of her own free will. For all of us who champion the role of First Lady, this is the latest example of the power of this unique office to change lives throughout our history.

Anita McBride, former chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush, is one of the longest-serving women in White House history, having served in three administrations in the East and the West.She is a co-author of “Remember the First Ladies: The Legacy of Women Who Made American History.” Co-founder of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE).