Black Maternal Health events put focus on health care disparities

Dr. Tonya Wright, chief of the Division of Academic Specialists in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, introduces the keynote speaker during the “Empowering Black Mothers Through Education” community event held at the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts on April 14.

Penn State Health recognized Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to 17. Highmark-sponsored educational events held in the community and on the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center campus increased awareness of the critical issue of maternal mortality.

Physicians, residents, doulas and midwives were among the event participants who voiced their concerns for and their commitment to improving the health care disparities that have been particularly devastating for Black women. From a community event focused on maternal heart health to a Grand Rounds presentation by Pennsylvania Rep. Morgan Cephas, co-chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, the events highlighted what can be done to improve maternal health, particularly for women experiencing disparities in access to and quality of care.

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