Racism and Bias Kills: The Maternal Health of Black Women

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Vice President/Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of Allegheny Health Network joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about racism and misogynoir in the medical system and how they impact the maternal health and lives of Black women.
In this Episode
• An introduction to Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew and her work in the DEI space at Allegheny Health Network and in the space of maternal health for Black women
• Figuring out how to establish and practice racial health equity within the healthcare system, along with increasing workforce inclusion
• Discussing the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women, both in perinatal and postnatal health, and how the racism that Black women face can alter their emotional, mental, and physical health for the worst, thus leading to complications during and after pregnancy and childbirth
• What Highmark Health is doing to prioritize the maternal health of Black women and other women of color to reduce the rates of maternal mortality among these groups of women, including identifying social determinants of maternal health and putting Black babies into the care of Black physicians
• A reminder of self-advocacy for women of color in the healthcare system and seeking out groups and individuals who can advocate for said women
Resources
• Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew
• Allegheny Health Network
• Dr. Vanessa Weaver
• Alignment Strategies
• Highmark Health Enterprise Equitable Health Institute