Women's Journal — Health, Beauty, Fitness & Lifestyle
Olivia and Tom Walton Commit $100M to Maternal Health
Olivia and Tom Walton have made an initial $100 million, five-year commitment to Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, a bipartisan campaign seeking to cut U.S. maternal deaths in half by 2031. The funding will support state matching grants, partnerships and implementation infrastructure while testing whether philanthropic capital can attract broader public and private investment. Key Takeaways Olivia and Tom Walton announced an initial $100 million commitment over five years on September 10, 2026 Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America has set a goal of cutting U.S. maternal deaths in half within five years Funding is expected to support state matching grants, high-impact partnerships and infrastructure for implementing maternal health interventions CDC data shows 649 women died of maternal causes in 2024, with a maternal mortality rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births Black women and women in rural communities continue to face substantial disparities in maternal health outcomes and access to care Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announced the commitment on September 10, 2026, four months after the national campaign launched in May. The funding is intended to help states expand maternal health programs while attracting additional commitments from governments, corporations and other funders. Olivia Walton framed the commitment around
Survey Examines Mental Health During Perimenopause
A survey of more than 2,000 U.S. women found many respondents experienced anxiety, depression, and isolation during perimenopause and menopause. The findings provide new insight into the emotional impact of midlife hormonal changes and the challenges many women report managing alongside everyday responsibilities. Key Takeaways A survey of more than 2,000 U.S. women examined mental health during perimenopause and menopause. Many respondents reported anxiety, depression, isolation, and feelings of being overwhelmed. Women aged 40 to 49 reported greater emotional challenges than older participants. Brain fog and sleep disruption were reported more frequently than hot flashes as disruptive symptoms. A menopause specialist said hormonal changes and life responsibilities can contribute to emotional symptoms during perimenopause. A survey examining perimenopause mental health found that many U.S. women reported emotional challenges during the transition to menopause, with anxiety, depression, and isolation among the most commonly reported concerns. The survey included more than 2,000 women between the ages of 40 and 64 experiencing perimenopause or menopause and provides new information about the emotional effects many respondents associated with this stage of life. The findings indicate that mental and emotional symptoms were a significant concern for many participants. Respondents also reported feeling overwhelmed by daily
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Women’s Sports Gain More Sunday Spotlight Across ESPN This Fall
Women’s Sports Sundays is extending into fall 2026 with 11 weeks of programming on ESPN, led by college volleyball and NWSL matches. The expanded schedule begins Sept. 13 and adds WNBA postseason coverage, women’s boxing, college basketball and WTGL, giving the network a longer Sunday framework for women’s competition. Key Takeaways ESPN will run Women’s Sports Sundays for 11 fall weeks beginning Sept. 13. The announced slate includes 10 college volleyball matches and five NWSL matches. NWSL Decision Day on Nov. 1 will put all eight league matches across ESPN platforms in the United States. WNBA playoff coverage, MVPW boxing, women’s college basketball and WTGL are also part of the fall mix. ESPN is carrying Women’s Sports Sundays beyond its original summer run, turning a nine-week programming block into a fall schedule spanning multiple women’s leagues and college sports. The change keeps women’s competition in a recurring Sunday window that ESPN introduced after Sunday Night Baseball moved to NBC. The summer version centered largely on the WNBA and NWSL. The fall schedule shifts college volleyball into the lead role while retaining soccer and adding other sports. Women’s Sports Sundays Expands to 11 Fall Weeks ESPN announced the extension Sept. 9,
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