2 days ago
Maternal Child Health Summit held in Springfield
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Springfield's Maternal Child Health Commission hosted a summit on Tuesday, bringing in residents, providers, and advocates to have open conversations on health disparities for women of color.
The group has been working on an equity plan for the city that looks at current barriers and trends in women's overall well-being.
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'A lot in there involving addressing mental health and substance abuse for families,' said Springfield Maternal Health Commission Co-Chair Jenise Katalina. 'How do we address the infant mortality rates, pre-term birth rates? How do we focus on women's health, especially black and brown women in our communities, and being able to think about how we can bring different collaborations?'
According to a study done by the CDC, over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths were preventable for women of color. Experts say that it is crucial for women of color to continue to educate and advocate for themselves when receiving care from a provider.
During this event, those in attendance heard from Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and keynote speaker Dr. Lucina Canty, whose work as a midwife helps many.
'This healthcare system is complex, and if I didn't have the support or the knowledge that I have as a provider, I don't know if I could survive in it,' Dr. Canty said. 'Knowing that some people don't have that, what can we do for them? And I think it's about us showing that we are here and we are ready to support in a nonjudgmental way.'
Dr. Canty told 22News that fathers or even those who aren't parents can learn about protecting women's health by visiting their local health department websites.
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