The CDC reports that Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. This week marks the fifth anniversary of Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW), which aims to raise awareness and spur action to improve Black maternal health. The March of Dimes of Greater Los Angeles is hosting a series of virtual, free events this week that are in alignment with the BMHW 2022 theme – Building for Liberation: Centering Black Mamas, Families and Systems of Care. James Kyle, MD, the Chief of Equity and Quality Medical Director at L.A. Care Health Plan, is a featured panelist at one of the events.
Kyle is among four experts who will participate in a webinar titled Fighting Disparities by Improving Pregnancy Outcomes. The panel will delve into the factors that contribute to the disparities in Black maternal health, such as those listed by the CDC – underlying chronic conditions, a lack of access to quality healthcare, structural racism and implicit bias.
Kyle will talk about the role of health plans in fighting health disparities and how they can partner with Black families to improve pregnancy outcomes. He will speak to specific projects planned and underway at L.A. Care, such as targeted efforts to educate members about the importance of timely prenatal care, assistance in setting appointments, a partnership with First 5 LA on a home visit program, and participation on a Midwifery Learning Collaborative.
Other panelists include Kaiser Permanente Ob/Gyns:
- LaTanya Hines, MD
- Tracey Sylvester, MD
- Sevelle Holder, MD
Among other things, these three doctors will discuss hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, anemia, and mental health struggles during pregnancy and postpartum.
The webinar is being held:
Tuesday, April 12
6:00-7:30 pm
You can join via Zoom here.