Women Health Charities in New York

Since its founding in 1919 by 140 pioneering women physicians representing 15 countries, the Medical Women's International Association has established itself as the oldest international organization dedicated to the health, well-being, and rights of female medical professionals and girls worldwide. Operating from Pleasant Valley, NY, MWIA has grown into a respected global community uniting medical women and students across eight regions, creating meaningful connections among physicians from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. The organization's mission extends beyond professional networking—it serves as a powerful advocate for women in medicine, championing causes that directly impact female healthcare providers including fair career progression, equitable maternity policies, and protection from discrimination. What distinguishes MWIA is its commitment to fostering genuine dialogue and collaborative action on health issues affecting women globally, from reproductive health to maternal mortality. The association's 103-year legacy reflects its unwavering dedication to using the collective voice and influence of medical women to drive positive change in healthcare systems and policy. MWIA's work demonstrates a deep understanding of the unique challenges women doctors face while simultaneously addressing critical health disparities affecting women and girls in communities around the world. By bringing together accomplished medical professionals who share a commitment to equity, excellence, and compassionate care, MWIA continues to inspire and support the next generation of women physicians while advancing evidence-based solutions to complex global health challenges.

JOWMA in Cedarhurst, New York represents a unique partnership of Jewish women physicians united by a shared commitment to advancing health awareness and preventative care within the Orthodox Jewish community. Founded on the vision that every member of the community deserves easy access to culturally-sensitive, relevant health information, JOWMA has grown into an indispensable resource connecting over 900 members and reaching 6,000 email subscribers with trusted medical guidance. The organization recognizes that Orthodox Jewish communities have distinct healthcare needs and preferences, and JOWMA's physician-led approach ensures that health education resonates with community values while maintaining the highest medical standards. Beyond health education, JOWMA serves as a vital support network for current, training, and aspiring Orthodox Jewish women physicians at all stages of their medical careers. Through annual dinners, symposiums, graduation celebrations, and city-wide networking events, JOWMA fosters professional connections and career development opportunities for women in medicine. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, JOWMA operates with deep roots in the Orthodox Jewish community while maintaining partnerships with prestigious health institutions and government agencies, including the New York State Department of Health and NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This dual focus—empowering women physicians while educating the community—reflects JOWMA's comprehensive approach to improving health outcomes and creating pathways of opportunity within the Orthodox Jewish medical profession.

Based in New York, NY, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation represents a three-decade commitment to ending breast cancer through strategic investment in world-class research. Founded in 1993 by philanthropist Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF has grown into a beacon of hope for the breast cancer community, having raised more than a billion dollars to advance the most promising scientific discoveries. The organization operates on a fundamental belief that no single institution can conquer breast cancer alone—collaboration, innovation, and dedicated funding are essential. BCRF serves thousands of women and men currently battling breast cancer by connecting them to research-backed treatments and advances that extend and improve lives. The foundation's unique approach seeks out the brightest minds in science and medicine, providing them with the resources and support necessary to pursue their best ideas without bureaucratic obstacles. This commitment has positioned BCRF as the highest-rated breast cancer research organization in the United States. Beyond funding, the foundation fosters a community of hope through storytelling, patient education, and initiatives like the Postcard Project that encourage breast health awareness. Every gift to BCRF directly translates into longer, healthier lives for people with breast cancer. The organization's vision is clear: a world without breast cancer, achieved through relentless pursuit of scientific excellence and unwavering dedication to the patients and families whose lives depend on research breakthroughs.

Every Mother Counts emerged from personal experience and a commitment to global maternal health equity. Founded in 2010 by Christy Turlington Burns following her own childbirth complication, the organization was born from a documentary film called "No Woman, No Cry" that exposed maternal health challenges and solutions worldwide. Serving communities in New York, NY and beyond, Every Mother Counts is driven by a simple but powerful belief: every mother's story matters, and these stories have the power to create change. The organization documents and shares maternal health narratives to ensure that preventable maternal deaths become stories of the past rather than ongoing tragedies. What sets Every Mother Counts apart is its unwavering commitment to centering the voices and experiences of mothers themselves while building partnerships with locally-led organizations that understand their communities' unique needs. The organization works alongside healthcare providers, advocates, and community leaders to create lasting systemic change. Since its founding, Every Mother Counts has maintained an intentional focus on both global maternal health and the maternal health crisis within the United States, recognizing that unsafe pregnancy and childbirth affect women across all borders and socioeconomic backgrounds. The organization's approach emphasizes respect, equity, and community leadership in all its work. Through grantmaking, advocacy campaigns, learning tours, and strategic partnerships, Every Mother Counts has built a movement where maternal health is recognized as a fundamental human right. The organization invites individuals and communities to join in this mission, understanding that creating a world where every mother truly counts requires collective action and sustained commitment.