NORRISTOWN — A maternal health conference focusing on public health disparities in Montgomery County took place earlier this week.
Regional stakeholders and policymakers came together on Tuesday to discuss best practices and policies to reduce disparities in maternal mortality and morbidity.
The daylong conference took place at Montgomery County Community College’s Blue Bell campus and was hosted in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Public Health, Montgomery County Maternal and Early Childhood Consortium and the Maternity Care Coalition.
“Maternal and infant mortality rates continue to rise to crisis levels nationwide, especially for Black moms,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Jamila Winder in a statement. “I am proud that the county is working in partnership with the community, stakeholders, and policymakers to improve outcomes for our moms.”
Speakers included Dr. Ndidiamaka Amuta-Onukagha, of the M.O.T.H.E.R. Lab and the Tufts Center; Sara Goulet, special advisor to Pennsylvania’s human services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh; Dr. Aasta Mehta, medical officer of reproductive health for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health; and Dr. Tamra Williams, director of Montgomery county’s health and human services department.
“At the Department of Human Services, we are committed to improving health outcomes for all birthing people in the Commonwealth,” Goulet said in a statement. “Together with maternal health care providers and advocates across the Commonwealth, the Shapiro Administration is working to ensure that all women and birthing people get the care and support they need and deserve – both for themselves and their children; to address disparities, to listen, to learn, and to take action.”
The conference featured morning and afternoon panel sessions covering policy and practices. Panelists included medical professionals, advocates and government representatives.
“The conference provided a trusted, evidence-driven and community-centered space for maternal health professionals and stakeholders invested in the advancement of maternal health equity in Montgomery County,” said a Montgomery County spokesperson in a statement. “Attendees were able to deepen their understanding of current issues in maternal health, learn about initiatives to improve maternal health, and to get information needed to create change.”
