AAMC Maternal Health Equity Webinar Series Part Two - May 14

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Maternal Health Across Appalachia and Indian Country

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native (AI/AN) women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—and this disparity increases with age. Pregnancy-related deaths for Black and AI/AN women older than 30 are four to five times higher than for white women.  The AAMC Maternal Health Equity Webinar Series highlights the unique role of academic medicine in the fight for maternal health justice and features physicians, community leaders, and researchers who are committed to eliminating these inequities. The second installment of the AAMC Maternal Health Equity Webinar Series focuses on the health disparities faced by mothers of color in rural America, especially American Indian and Alaska Native women. 

More Than Rural: Maternal and Infant Health Equity in West Virginia
Dr. Lauri Andress of West Virginia University School of Public Health will present how the rural state of West Virginia has handled maternal and infant mortality disparities in the 21st century told from the sociopolitical perspective of her experiences as a public health communications expert, political aide, and academician. 

Not Just Surviving, But Thriving: Cultural Practices that Promote Positive Maternal Health Outcomes in Native Women and Families   
While Native communities face disparate health conditions, traditional practices, cultural values and language resiliency help sustain healthy Native families and children. Hannabah Blue, MS and Vanessa Tibbitts, MA will provide introductory information about Native public health and clinical systems and health disparities. Presenters will share cultural practices, success stories, resources and best practices in supporting the care of Native communities, with particular focus on Native women and families.