HRSA opens $1 million funding to update women's preventive guidelines

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Women’s Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) program, which will award up to $1 million in fiscal year 2027 to update the HRSA-supported Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced on November 6, 2026.

The funding will go to a single organization, which will establish a multidisciplinary coalition to bring the guidelines in line with what HHS called “gold-standard evidence” and support their use in clinical practice. HHS tied the program to Executive Order 14437, “Advancing Women’s Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life,” including its priorities of translating scientific research into improved clinical care and strengthening prevention for women and girls at every stage of life.

What will the WISH coalition do?

The awardee will convene a multidisciplinary panel of at least 10 experts drawn from women’s health, primary care, public health, preventive medicine, behavioral health, patient and consumer organizations, and organizations that reach medically underserved women. The coalition will conduct evidence reviews following National Academies standards for trustworthy guidelines to update or reaffirm guideline recommendations, and will develop and disseminate information on the guidelines tailored to communities with limited resources.

“The latest research only makes a difference when it reaches women and the clinicians caring for them,” said HRSA Administrator Tom Engels. “By bringing together clinical expertise and trusted community partners, we can help more women access recommended preventive care nationwide.”

WISH builds on the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative (WPSI), which since 2016 has brought together clinical, academic, and patient-focused organizations to review the evidence and recommend updates to the guidelines. According to HHS, WISH will also engage community-based and faith-based organizations, including those serving rural and frontier communities.

Why the guidelines matter for coverage

Under the Public Health Service Act, non-grandfathered group health plans and individual health insurance coverage generally must cover HRSA-supported preventive services without copays, deductibles, or coinsurance. HHS cited a 2022 HHS report estimating that approximately 58 million women had private health insurance coverage that included preventive services without cost sharing, adding that many are not aware of it.

How to apply

Applications are due January 8, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. ET through Grants.gov under opportunity number HRSA-27-072. Applicants must have active SAM.gov and Grants.gov registrations.

Reference:

HHS opens $1 million funding opportunity to strengthen women’s preventive care. News release. US Department of Health and Human Services. November 6, 2026. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-opens-1-million-womens-preventive-care-funding-opportunity.html