Community Partners to Host Free Event to Raise Awareness About Maternal Health and Racial Disparities
The community is invited to learn more about maternal health and racial disparities by participating in a free interactive event Nov. 1 hosted by Atrium Health Navicent, Navicent Health Foundation and Fort Valley State University.
Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker, a board trained OB-GYN, will share information about unconscious bias and its unintended impact on health care. There will also be a screening of the short film, “Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story.” The event will include a discussion about community solutions, networking, presentations and a question-and-answer session featuring a panel of community health experts.
The event will be held in the Family Development & Quality Childcare Center Complex at Fort Valley State University, 1193 Carver Drive, Fort Valley from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public. To RSVP, email rsvpmacon@atriumhealth.org. Although in-person attendance is limited, individuals can also participate virtually and a live-stream link will be available.
“Atrium Health Navicent is proud to join our community partners in providing this critical information as part of our continuing efforts to eliminate racial disparities that impact health care and to improve outcomes for all of our patients, but particularly mothers and babies,” said Atrium Health Navicent President and CEO Delvecchio Finley. “We are committed to bridging barriers and increasing access to care as we improve health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for ALL.”
Georgia has the second-highest maternal mortality rate in the nation, and due to a number of factors, black women in our state are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
“The need for health providers to be aware of and eliminate racial and ethnic disparities, and barriers to maternal health care is urgent. Likewise, patients need to know and exercise their rights to improve health care,” said Fort Valley State University College of Arts and Sciences interim dean Josephine Davis. “It is encouraging to note the tireless efforts of diverse community representatives who are working to reduce high maternal mortality rates. They are addressing forthrightly health care inequities, solutions to high risk pregnancy-related complications and improved access to prenatal care.”
About Atrium Health Navicent
Atrium Health Navicent is the leading provider of healthcare in central and south Georgia and is committed to its mission of elevating health and wellbeing through compassionate care. Atrium Health Navicent provides high-quality, personalized care in 53 specialties at more than 50 facilities throughout the region. As part of the largest, integrated, nonprofit health system in the Southeast, it is also able to tap into some of the nation’s leading medical experts and specialists with Atrium Health, allowing it to provide the best care close to home – including advanced innovations in virtual medicine and care. Throughout its 125-year history in the community, Atrium Health Navicent has remained dedicated to enhancing health and wellness for individuals throughout the region through nationally recognized quality care, community health initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It is also one of the leading teaching hospitals in the region, helping to ensure viability for rural health care for the next generation. For more information, please visit www.NavicentHealth.org.