Women and Diversity Health’s impact and vision

December 9, 2024 – Defence Stories 

The Directorate of Women and Diversity Health's impact and vision

The Directorate of Women and Diversity Health (D WDH) has been making steady progress towards closing healthcare gaps for women and diverse members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) since its founding in 2022. This dedicated team of clinicians and researchers, drawn from both civilian and military backgrounds, is committed to advancing healthcare and ensuring that every member's needs are addressed.

Accomplishments

Health Information for CAF Members

The D WDH launched a Teams channel and webpages for easy access to resources and guidance. Several educational products for CAF members and clinicians have been posted with more coming soon.

Empowering Clinicians

D WDH offers a clinician consultation service, connecting providers with specialists in gynecology, obstetrics, and gender-affirming care. A Professional Technical Network of clinical representatives from each base was created to enhance collaboration. The Directorate has also increased the number of clinicians and administrative staff in Care Delivery Units nationwide to improve access to care. Several educational products for clinicians and CAF members have been completed, and presentations for care providers are scheduled through the Canadian Forces Health Services Network.

Cutting Edge Research

D WDH has funded novel research opportunities to bridge knowledge gaps and improve care, allocating $1M in grants to research teams in Canada in fiscal year 24/25.

Engagement and Outreach

D WDH actively collaborates with national partners, including the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research, Veterans Affairs Canada, and Statistics Canada. Internationally, D WDH has built a Five Eyes (FVEYs) clinical network, participates in North Atlantic Treaty Organization working groups and will host the 2025 Warrior Care Conference, facilitating the exchange of global best practices.

What's Next

Improving Care

Work is underway to enhance the electronic health record system for better patient tracking and cancer screening. Beginning in February 2025, Canadian Forces Health Services will send confidential, automated emails to CAF members who fall within the appropriate age, sex at birth, or risk-factor demographics to advise them that they are eligible for cancer screening, supported by a communications campaign to increase cancer screening among CAF members.

Health Promotion for CAF Members

D WDH is developing more resources tailored to women and diverse members, empowering them to make informed health decisions.

A Future of Inclusive Care

The D WDH is committed to ensuring women and diverse members receive the care and resources they deserve. Through health promotion, improvements to access, clinician support, and research, D WDH is making meaningful strides towards a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for the CAF.

If you're interested in learning more about D WDH, please visit:

Women and Diversity Health | Information for CAF Members | Health Services | MPC (DWAN)

Women and Diversity Health - Canada.ca (Canada.ca)