Ana Núñez, MD, and the Women's Health Education Program (WHEP) at Drexel University College of Medicine were recently awarded a $1.5 million grant to enhance "Philadelphia Ujima Coalition for a Healthier Community," which is part of the gender-based national "Coalition for a Healthier Community" initiative. WHEP will receive $300,000 a year for the next five years to support its evidence-based health interventions targeting women and girls in the community. The Drexel University College of Medicine program is one of ten chosen from across the country and the only one in Pennsylvania.

The Philadelphia Ujima model uses a community-based participatory approach coupled with systems change to address health issues that adversely affect the health of women and girls.

"This grant allows us to continue the excellent work being done in Ujima and gives us the opportunity to expand its reach in the community," says Núñez, who is director of WHEP and an associate professor in the Department of Medicine. "We can continue to address the context of girl's and women's lives – including relationships with boys, men, other women and family members – to take a strength-based approach to their health and well being."

Designated National Center of Excellence of Women's Health, WHEP is only one of four academic health centers funded and the only one that focuses on prevention of gender differences in health issues throughout the lifespan.