The Office on Women's Health (OWH), part of the U.

S.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), works to improve the health and sense of well-being of all U.

S.

women and girls.

OWH serves as the focal point for women's health activities across HHS

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offices and agencies, and leads HHS efforts to ensure that all women and girls achieve the best possible health.

OWH has its central office located in Washington, D.C.

and collaborates with ten Regional Women Health Coordinators across the country to help serve women and girls through regional, state, and local public health initiatives.

OWHs mission is to provide national leadership and coordination to improve the health of women and girls through policy, education, and model programs.

OWH goals are to achieve this mission by:
Informing and advancing policies Educating the public Educating professionals and Supporting model programs As a leader in women health, OWH supports the development of culturally-based, gender-sensitive programs to address health disparities.

Women health concerns and issues are managed effectively with gender-sensitive approaches to outreach, social and cultural competency, appropriate referrals, education, and follow up.

OWH is interested in improving womens and girls health associated with FGC in the U.S.through optimal FGC-related health care for those who have experienced FGC and through primary prevention.

The community support for and type of FGC performed depends upon cultural background and geographic location.

Moreover, the prevalence of FGC in immigrant and refugee populations in the U.S.is unknown.

FGC has detrimental short- and long-term health effects.

Medical evidence shows that FGC is linked to urinary tract/bacterial infections, sexual dysfunction, pelvic inflammation, infertility, miscarriage, and even death.