Forum focuses on improving access, advancing medical innovation, and addressing unmet needs in women’s health. 

TRENTON, NJ – October 16, 2026 – The HealthCare Institute of New Jersey (HINJ – www.hinj.org), the leading voice for New Jersey’s life sciences community, hosted its third annual women’s health forum, HERHealth 2026: What Women (And Men!) Need to Know, on Friday, October 16 at Middlesex College in Edison. The half-day forum convened leaders from the life sciences, healthcare, government, academia, and patient advocacy communities to examine some of the most pressing health challenges facing women and the medical innovations and public policies working to address them.

This event took a broad look at women’s health across the lifespan – from research to access to clinical trials to treatments for cardiovascular disease, cancer, menopause, Alzheimer’s, and mental health, and how these conditions, awareness, and treatments differ between women and men.  Speakers also discussed current policy and public health priorities and the critical role New Jersey’s life sciences play in medical research and innovation to improve health outcomes for women.

“Women’s health deserves its own focus and prioritization – and there is still so much more we must do to make sure women have access to the information, care, clinical research, and innovative treatments they need,” said Chrissy Buteas, President and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey. “New Jersey is a leader in this effort. Our state is home to a remarkable concentration of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, and diagnostic companies, as well as world-class academic and healthcare institutions. Together, they are working every day to discover new treatments and cures that can improve and save lives. Today’s event was an opportunity to bring these partners together, shine a light on areas where more progress is needed, and demonstrate why New Jersey truly is the ‘Medicine Chest of the World.’”

The forum also featured a conversation with Assemblywoman Margie Donlon, MD, New Jersey General Assembly District 11, and Iris Jones, Assistant Commissioner, Division of Family Health Services, New Jersey Department of Health, moderated by HINJ’s Kyle Sullender, Director of Government and External Relations, focusing on updates from Trenton including current legislative and public health developments affecting women’s health in New Jersey.

“As a physician and a legislator, I see every day why women must remain a priority in both our healthcare system and our public policy,” said Assemblywoman Donlon. “Women deserve policies and practices that center their experiences and needs. They deserve a healthcare system that reflects the value of the incredible roles they play in the successes of our workplaces, communities, and families. New Jersey is proudly committed to our state's sovereignty to direct the health and wellbeing of our residents, and we welcome any opportunity to demonstrate our support for the women of this state, and beyond."

“We know that health outcomes are shaped not only by the care someone receives, but also by whether that care is accessible, evidence-based, culturally responsive, and connected to the realities of that person’s life,” said Assistant Commissioner Jones. “Innovation and research are essential, but it’s just as important to make sure those advances translate into care that women and families can actually access. New Jersey is uniquely positioned to bring government, communities, healthcare providers, researchers, and the life sciences together to close gaps and improve outcomes.”

The first panel, “Addressing Access: Why Women Are Still Missing from Clinical Trials and How to Change It,” examined the persistent challenges affecting women’s participation and representation in clinical research. The discussion explored how women learn about clinical trials, how they enroll, the barriers that can prevent participation, and what industry, providers, researchers, and community partners can do to build greater access and trust.  Moderated by Denise Anderson, PhD, Inaugural Executive Director of The Center for Health Equity & Wellbeing at the New Jersey Public Health Institute, the panel featured Shemika Austin, MS, CCRA, Sr. Manager, Clinical Research Equity, Novo Nordisk, Inc.; Sophia Hurtado, MBA, RN, Associate Vice President & Head, Global Clinical Operations, Organon & Co.; and Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams, MD, PhD, Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University.

Kanchi Chadha, MD, FACOG, Assistant Residency Program Director and Faculty Physician in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hackensack University Medical Center, held a fireside chat entitled, “Menopause, Answered: What Women Need to Know and Where We Go From Here.” The session provided practical information about perimenopause and menopause while examining emerging treatments, innovation, and opportunities to improve care.

The final panel, “More Than Menopause: Confronting the Biggest Threats to Women’s Health,” broadened the conversation beyond reproductive health to examine some of the leading threats to women’s health, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and mental health.  Moderated by HINJ CEO Chrissy Buteas, the panel featured Mai Himedan, MD, Mood Therapeutic Area Lead, U.S. Medical Affairs, Neuroscience, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine; Tracy K. Paul, MD, FACC, Global Director, Medical Affairs, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area Value & Implementation, Global Medical & Scientific Affairs, Merck Research Laboratories; and Michal Schnaider Beeri, PhD, Director, Krieger Klein Alzheimer's Research Center, Brain Health Institute, Rutgers Health.

“New Jersey’s life sciences community has a long history of turning scientific discovery into medicines, technologies, and therapies that save patients’ lives,” Buteas said. “But innovation is most powerful when partnered with access, awareness, sound public policy, and a deep understanding of what patients need. We are proud to convene this conversation highlighting the extraordinary work taking place across New Jersey to advance women’s health and drive the next steps.”

Special recognition to the sponsors who made this event possible: 

PARTNER LEVEL SPONSOR:  New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP)

CHAMPION LEVEL SPONSORS:

Carpenter Contract Trust (CCT)

Choose New Jersey

Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC)

Rowan University

Rutgers University

ADVOCATE LEVEL SPONSORS:

Middlesex County, NJ

New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA)

Rey Financial Group

ThomasBoyd Communications