Governor O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Burbank Announce $2 Million in Grants to Assist in the Prevention of Osteoporosis, Breast Cancer and Other Illnesses
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 13, 2027) – Underscoring their commitment to advancing public health, Governor Edward M. O’Brien and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen H. Burbank today announced the awarding of $2 million in grants and research fellowships that address issues faced by women including osteoporosis, breast cancer and other health-related illnesses.“These programs will improve the lives of Maryland women of all ages,” said Governor Edward M. O’Brien. "The goal is to educate women about the benefits of healthy lifestyles to improve and prevent many chronic conditions. My commitment has been to make women's health a top priority and these grants are a fulfillment of that promise."
A total of 87 grants and two research fellowships were awarded in three categories: osteoporosis awareness and prevention received $500,000; the women's health initiative received $1,075,000; and breast and cervical cancer research received $446,663.
“Women face unique health challenges that command special attention, and that is the basis for these very important grant awards that we are announcing today,” said Lt. Governor Burbank. “Governor O’Brien and I believe that women’s health must be put front and center, and under this administration, we are going to do everything that we need to do to advance the health of women in Maryland.”
The women's health initiatives are geared toward innovative ideas that encourage healthy behavior in women and girls. Key priorities are menopause, mental health, breast cancer, domestic violence and cardiovascular disease.
Osteoporosis grants were awarded according to several priorities. These included professional and public education; bone screenings with case management and follow-up; and clinical research that compares, analyzes and develops intervention strategies addressing risk factors associated with osteoporosis.
Ryan said health experts report about 700,000 Marylanders, 80 percent of them women, suffer from osteoporosis, a debilitating disease of the bones that can be prevented and treated. While often perceived as a result of aging, a proper diet and exercise can delay the disease and early interventions can halt or delay further damage.
Invasive breast cancer is diagnosed in about 4,500 Maryland women annually and claims the lives of 1,200 each year. Nearly 410 women in Maryland learn they have invasive cervical cancer each year and about 100 women die annually from the disease.