Organon's Commitment to Addressing Contraceptive Deserts

Organon contraceptive deserts — Dr. Charlotte Owens, Head of
Medical Affairs and Outcomes
Research at Organon

Organon, a global healthcare company renowned for its dedication to improving women’s health, has recently taken a significant stride with the launch of its “Her Plan is Her Power” initiative in the US. This program is specifically designed to tackle the issue of unplanned pregnancies by providing comprehensive support to communities identified as contraceptive deserts.

Through a series of US grant programs and a listening tour, Organon aims to reach high-need communities, empowering women and girls to take control of their reproductive health.

To learn more about how Organon is tackling contraceptive deserts and enhancing women’s health, Xtalks spoke with Dr. Charlotte Owens, Head of Medical Affairs and Outcomes Research at Organon.

Dr. Owens shares insights into the challenges and successes of implementing “Her Plan is Her Power” at a community level. This includes engaging stakeholders to understand challenges, build community-centered solutions, and ensuring sustainability of interventions and more.

Tackling Contraceptive Deserts

Contraceptive deserts are regions where women of reproductive age lack reasonable access to health centers offering a full range of contraceptive methods. It is estimated that 19 million women in the US reside in such areas, facing significant barriers to accessing contraceptive information and services. Dr. Owens emphasizes the importance of addressing these deserts to reduce unplanned pregnancies and support women’s ability to make informed choices about their futures.

Organon’s initiative includes funding for select community health clinics in Texas, Ohio and Mississippi, areas notably affected by the lack of accessible reproductive health services. Additionally, product donations are made through Direct Relief’s clinic network, supporting nonprofit safety-net health facilities across the country. This effort is complemented by an ambassador program through Power to Decide, aimed at addressing the sexual and reproductive health needs of students at five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Engaging Communities

The “Her Plan is Her Power” initiative is built on the foundation of community engagement and education. A listening tour, which kicked off at AccessHealth in Texas and Plan A Health in Mississippi, serves as a platform for Organon to understand firsthand the barriers to contraceptive access and reproductive care. Through these interactions, the company identifies community-driven interventions that can effectively address these barriers.

Dr. Owens highlights the significance of this approach, stating, “The ability to plan when and whether to start a family is one of the most important choices a woman can make. ‘Her Plan is Her Power’ includes a place-based public health approach that supports community-driven decisions to reduce unplanned pregnancies.” She underscores the initiative’s goal to empower women and girls, emphasizing the need for targeted solutions in areas of high unmet need.

Strategic Partnerships and Support

A crucial component of Organon’s strategy involves partnerships with organizations like Direct Relief and Power to Decide. These collaborations enable the implementation of region-based, community-driven solutions, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach to meet the unique needs of each community for years to come.

For instance, Organon’s partnership with Direct Relief involves nearly 40,000 units of product donations over three years for clinics providing contraceptive and women’s health services for underserved women and communities. Similarly, the collaboration with Power to Decide supports student ambassadors at HBCUs, promoting reproductive well-being through various engagement strategies.

Dr. Owens provides insight into these programs, “We’re supporting them [Direct Relief clinics] with awards of $200,000 each. This will provide support for two-year programs that increase contraceptive access and reproductive health knowledge and equity in their communities.” This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term change by empowering communities and promoting education on sexual and reproductive health.

The Role of Digital Health Technologies

In the age of digital transformation, Organon recognizes the potential of digital health technologies in bridging the information gap in contraceptive deserts. Dr. Owens believes that digital platforms can effectively disseminate medically accurate and relevant information on sexual health and birth control, especially among the youth.

“Advances in digital technologies can really help bridge a gap in communication where resources are lacking,” she states, highlighting the importance of creating content that resonates with the target audience and promotes a culture of reproductive well-being.

Organon’s Vision for Women’s Health

Organon’s efforts in addressing contraceptive deserts and enhancing women’s health reflect a broader commitment to supporting women throughout their lives. Offering over 60 medicines and products in women’s health, Organon continues to invest in innovation and future growth opportunities in this critical area.

The “Her Plan is Her Power” initiative is a testament to Organon’s dedication to empowering women and girls, tackling inequalities in health access and fostering a healthier future for communities across the US. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement and the integration of digital technologies, Organon is setting a new standard in the pursuit of equitable access to reproductive health services and information.

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