Third Policy Brief Highlights Role of Federal Agencies in Supporting Women with Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions
The purpose of the U.S. government, as laid out in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, is to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” The federal government carries out this work through federal departments and agencies that are charged with overseeing, implementing, and administering public policy.
As part of that mission, the federal government provides services that can support individuals who are navigating different circumstances. This includes individuals living with autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases and conditions (herein referred to as “autoimmune diseases”). Autoimmune diseases and conditions affect up to 50 million Americans, and their incidence and prevalence are increasing. Not only does this present a health challenge (autoimmune diseases and conditions are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States), but it also presents an economic challenge for patients, their families, and the U.S. health care system (it is estimated that treating autoimmune diseases in the United States is greater than $100 billion annually).
Taken together, these factors demonstrate the need for the government’s continued support and prioritization of federal programs, resources, and initiatives that supports individuals living with autoimmune diseases and their families. Currently, these include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Funding research into autoimmune diseases and conditions
- Regulating the approval and safety of drugs, biologics, and medical devices
- Providing worker protections
- Providing disability benefits
- Sharing resources and educational information and conducting public health and awareness campaigns
- Funding public insurance programs
The Society for Women’s Health Research developed the policy brief, “Federal Agencies’ Work in Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions: How Federal Agencies Support Women Living with Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions,” to demonstrate how federal agencies are contributing to improved health and health care for women across the lifespan and why investments in these programs and initiatives should continue to be prioritized.
This brief is one of a four policy brief set being released by SWHR on autoimmune disease policy issues. Read the first two briefs, “Issues Affecting Health Care Coverage and Access for Women with Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions” and “Prioritizing Federal Research on Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases and Conditions,” and stay tuned for the last briefing in the series.
Support for this educational program has been provided by Horizon Therapeutics. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.
The purpose of the U.S. government, as laid out in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution, is to “establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” The federal government carries out this work through federal departments and agencies that are charged with overseeing, implementing, and administering public policy.
As part of that mission, the federal government provides services that can support individuals who are navigating different circumstances. This includes individuals living with autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases and conditions (herein referred to as “autoimmune diseases”). Autoimmune diseases and conditions affect up to 50 million Americans, and their incidence and prevalence are increasing. Not only does this present a health challenge (autoimmune diseases and conditions are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States), but it also presents an economic challenge for patients, their families, and the U.S. health care system (it is estimated that treating autoimmune diseases in the United States is greater than $100 billion annually).
Taken together, these factors demonstrate the need for the government’s continued support and prioritization of federal programs, resources, and initiatives that supports individuals living with autoimmune diseases and their families. Currently, these include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Funding research into autoimmune diseases and conditions
- Regulating the approval and safety of drugs, biologics, and medical devices
- Providing worker protections
- Providing disability benefits
- Sharing resources and educational information and conducting public health and awareness campaigns
- Funding public insurance programs
The Society for Women’s Health Research developed the policy brief, “Federal Agencies’ Work in Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions: How Federal Agencies Support Women Living with Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions,” to demonstrate how federal agencies are contributing to improved health and health care for women across the lifespan and why investments in these programs and initiatives should continue to be prioritized.
This brief is one of a four policy brief set being released by SWHR on autoimmune disease policy issues. Read the first two briefs, “Issues Affecting Health Care Coverage and Access for Women with Autoimmune Diseases and Conditions” and “Prioritizing Federal Research on Autoimmune and Immune-Mediated Diseases and Conditions,” and stay tuned for the last briefing in the series.
Support for this educational program has been provided by Horizon Therapeutics. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.