One of the most exciting moments of 2024 has to be the appointment this November of Amy Flood as our first Executive Director. Amy will serve as the lead fundraiser and spokesperson for WHCC, while strengthening business operations and fostering vital connections with member hospitals and programs nationwide.
To gain insight into Amy’s goals and aspirations for the future of women’s health, we asked her a few questions about the challenges and what we can do, collectively and as individuals, to address them.
Much has been said about the gender gap in health research and outcomes – how would you describe the challenge?
AF: This is a tangible reality unfortunately. I’ve been living it and feeling it. From fertility, to postpartum, to the next phase and stage in my life. I feel there is little knowledge about the differences in female biology and how that impacts us both physically and mentally. It impacts how we work, parent, and both our personal and professional life daily.
What are three things that we can do to address this issue right now?
AF: First and foremost, talk about it. The more we share our stories and experiences, the more we know we are not alone, and the more we can validate that what we are feeling is real with substantive causes.
Second, advocate for better policies, research, and healthcare . Raise awareness of the realities, facts and stats with a strong emphasis on change.
Third, raise funds! Without financial investment, the research required to implement change will not be possible.
What are you excited about in the field of women’s health today?
AF: I’m excited about the movement and momentum that is happening right now for women at large. From political and executive leadership, to women in sport, to the recognition that our biology and health needs are dramatically different. I’m even more excited that Canada is taking the lead on many of these fronts to implement change. I’m excited for more answers. I’m excited for a more informed future for my daughter and the next generation of leaders.
Why do you think we are seeing the topic of women’s health get so much attention lately?
AF: Women are over half of the population, and are playing larger roles in society than ever before. They are front and centre, carrying significant societal responsibilities, yet still expected to manage much of the traditional household roles. They are uniting, talking, and advocating for each other. Support groups and organizations are forming to champion this, workplaces are evolving, and coverage on the topic is growing in media and other channels. Women are lifting other women, and society is responding.
What are your hopes for the future of women’s health in Canada? In the near term, and the long term?
AF: In the near term, I hope the momentum continues to grow. That the government will make a significant investment in the research and systems change requirements to right-size healthcare for women. I also hope that individuals and corporations will join us on our mission, and help contribute both financially and be helping raise educating and awareness.
In the long term, I hope the research will translate into findings and explanations that can help women not only cope better with their symptoms and experiences, but can lead to early detection, early intervention, better diagnoses, possibly even prevention and most importantly more equitable healthcare overall.
About Amy
Amy will serve as the lead fundraiser and spokesperson, while strengthening WHCC’s business operations and fostering vital connections with member hospitals and programs nationwide. Previously, Amy was the Director of Corporate Partnerships at Heart & Stroke Canada and Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations (CCHF) – the largest non-government funder of children’s health in Canada. In these roles, she led business development and a portfolio of over 15 national tier-one partners, developing strategies and marketing campaigns to raise funds and enable impact for Heart & Stroke and 13 of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations. Prior to CCHF, Amy spent 18+ years in the corporate sector, as a proven brand builder, on both the agency and client side, and across multi-media disciplines, categories and channels.
