On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, the Community Health Center of Richmond, Inc. (CHCR) hosted the Staten Island Black Maternal and Infant Health Equity event to heighten awareness of this growing crisis of Black women dying in childbirth. The results and key findings from the Staten Island Infant Health Equity Action Plan was also presented. Over 70 individuals attended this event which took place at the Mt. Sinai United Christian Church, under the leadership and pastorate of Bishop Victor A. Brown, and also livestreamed on Facebook. Guest Speakers included community and public leaders, presentations delivered by public health professionals, and a resource fair.
Dr. Henry Thompson, CEO CHCR stated, “It is my hope that these topics don’t just result in activities and programs but that it translates into policy actions that can help move the discussion forward.”
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams delivered the keynote address and shared his personal birth equity story. Mr. Williams proclaimed that, “Black Equity is a Social Justice issue” and further shared that his Office is taking steps to address this issue by establishing the maternal health code of rights and calling on Congress to pass the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021.
Congresswoman Malliotakis also shared her previous work in addressing these disparities in maternal health through her work in the New York State Assembly, including her membership of the New York State Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcome, and her co-sponsorship of Congressional Bill Number H.R. 5163 Care for Her Act.
The event also included an informative panel discussion featuring: Kimberly Seals Allers, Creator, Irth App; Sharon Turnage, Infant Loss Survivor and Perinatal Health Specialist, Turnage Counseling Consulting; and Miriam Prat, Clinical Director, Project Launch, Richmond University Medical Center.
Click here for the full press release and pictures from the event.