During Black Maternal Health Week from April 11 to 17, Penn State Health took the opportunity to recognize the importance of maternal health in the Black community. The initiative was supported by Highmark and aimed to raise awareness about the critical issue of maternal mortality, particularly among Black women.
The events featured a range of activities, including a community event focused on maternal heart health and a Grand Rounds presentation by Pennsylvania Rep. Morgan Cephas, who co-chairs the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus. These events provided valuable insights on ways to enhance maternal health, especially for women facing challenges in accessing quality healthcare services.
Participants in the events included physicians, residents, doulas, and midwives, all of whom expressed their concerns and shared their commitment to addressing the healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect Black women. The discussions focused on ways to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce disparities in access to quality care.
By bringing together a diverse group of healthcare professionals and community members, these events served as a platform for meaningful discussions and initiatives aimed at advancing maternal health equity. The aim was to shed light on the specific challenges faced by Black women in maternal health and explore potential solutions for improving outcomes and reducing disparities.
