The Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska is created within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska shall strive to improve the health of women in Nebraska by fostering the development of a comprehensive system of coordinated services, policy development, advocacy, and education. The initiative shall:

(1) Serve as a clearinghouse for information regarding women's health issues, including pregnancy, breast and cervical cancers, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, osteoporosis, menopause, heart disease, smoking, and mental health issues as well as other issues that impact women's health, including substance abuse, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, sexual assault, adequacy of health insurance, access to primary and preventative health care, and rural and ethnic disparities in health outcomes;

(2) Perform strategic planning within the Department of Health and Human Services to develop department-wide plans for implementation of goals and objectives for women's health;

(3) Conduct department-wide policy analysis on specific issues related to women's health;

(4) Coordinate pilot projects and planning projects funded by the state that are related to women's health;

(5) Communicate and disseminate information and perform a liaison function within the department and to providers of health, social, educational, and support services to women;

(6) Provide technical assistance to communities, other public entities, and private entities for initiatives in women's health, including, but not limited to, community health assessment and strategic planning and identification of sources of funding and assistance with writing of grants; and

(7) Encourage innovative responses by public and private entities that are attempting to address women's health issues.

The Department of Health and Human Services will determine how the department will provide personnel to carry out the Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska. The department shall employ personnel, including an executive director, necessary to carry out the powers and duties of the initiative. The Governor's Policy Research Office, the department, and other state agencies as necessary may provide administrative and technical support under the direct supervision of the Governor. The initiative may secure cooperation and assistance of other appropriate government and private-sector entities for women's health issues, programs, and educational materials.

The Legislature recognizes the generosity of its citizens and charitable organizations that donate their time and money to provide funds to their fellow citizens. It is the intent of the Legislature to permit the Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska to obtain and expend such funds to carry out the purposes of sections 71-701 to 71-707. Private citizens and charitable organizations may donate and grant funds to the Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska to pay for programs, educational materials, promotions, and other activities undertaken by the initiative.

The Department of Health and Human Services shall issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on September 1 for the preceding fiscal year's activities of the Women's Health Initiative of Nebraska. The report submitted to the Legislature shall be submitted electronically. The report shall include progress reports on any programs, activities, or educational promotions that were undertaken by the initiative. The report shall also include a status report on women's health in Nebraska and any results achieved by the initiative.