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From the NIH Director: NIH 2016 Women’s History Month Message

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.

This year, the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is celebrating Women’s History Month by featuring, and thanking, past and present women in public service and government via Instagram and Twitter. Each weekday, we will post an image of a woman nominated by the EDI staff and a short description of how each woman has impacted the lives of others. Our nominees encompass a broad spectrum of activities and occupations; public school teachers, historical figures, and presidential advisors who all deserve recognition and thanks for their service to our Nation.

We join the NIH Director, Dr. Francis Collins, in sending a global message that encourages all members of NIH’s workforce to celebrate Women’s History Month by individually thanking a woman who is serving or has served in public service or government.

Dear Staff,

Each year, we recognize March as “Women’s History Month” by acknowledging and celebrating contributions women have made to society. This year’s national theme is "Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government."

Here at NIH, we have a unique appreciation for the variety of ways in which women in Public Service and Government improve our individual well-being and our community health. Whether it be by conducting ground-breaking research, protecting the rights of our workforce and volunteers, providing direct patient care, supporting research efforts through logistical management and grant awards, ensuring the cleanliness and safety of our facilities, or communicating life-saving information, each woman at NIH contributes to our betterment in distinct and profound ways.

I encourage all of us to celebrate Women’s History Month by individually thanking a woman who is serving or has served in Public Service or Government. If you would like to thank a woman who has touched your life or the life of others via social media, you can join the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in featuring stories and photos of outstanding Women in Public Service and Government by using the hashtag #NIHThanksYou.

Sincerely yours,

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.

Follow EDI’s #WHM2016 / #NIHThanksYou campaign on Instagram and Twitter (@NIH_EDI).