In an effort to address disparities affecting Black and brown mothers, the City of St. Louis Department of Health recently hosted a groundbreaking discussion on regional maternal child health. The meeting, held at the Missouri Foundation for Health on March 21, brought together experts from the St. Louis region to discuss challenges and initiatives being implemented by private businesses, community organizations, and healthcare providers to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Leading the discussion was Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health for the City of St. Louis, who moderated a panel of esteemed women in the field of maternal child health. The panel included NMA president Dr. Yolanda Lawson, Generate Health Executive Director Kendra Copanas, doula Okunsola Amadou of Jamaa Birth Village, and Dr. Dineo Khabele of Washington University.
The panelists shared insights and experiences on the challenges faced by Black and brown mothers in the region as well as the strategies being implemented to improve maternal and child health outcomes. The discussion aimed to raise awareness about these disparities and drive collective action to address them.
Overall, the event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and advocacy to support maternal and child health in St. Louis region. By bringing together key stakeholders and experts in the field, the Department of Health hopes to drive lasting change and improve the health and well-being of all mothers and children in their community
