Women Share Stories of Maternal Health

Women Share Your Stories!

This message rang loud and clear as Keynote Speaker , Timoria McQueen Saba, Maternal Health Advocate addressed an audience at an event A Call to Awareness and Action on Maternal Health Disparities and Advocacy, held at the Parkway United Methodist Church on Saturday November 2, 2019.

Speaking candidly and openly about her near death experience during her first pregnancy, Ms McQueen Saba delved into the statistics which state that women of color are dying at a much higher rate than white women. Black women are 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy related consequences and 2 times more likely to lose a child to premature death.

Also on the panel was State Representative Liz Miranda who encouraged all to reach out to their legislatures like herself who advocate for and support issues near and dear to women. Miranda who filed the Doula Legislative Bill had high praises for all the women providers on the panel who together are working towards eradicating the implicit bias , race and ethnic minorities experience in the healthcare industry.

The following women completed the panel. Dr. Lisa M. Swedarsky, Dr. Nicole Christian-Braithwaite, Nneka Hall, Dr. Huma Farid and Dr. Tajh Ferguson.

Several exhibitors were on hand providing resources to attendees. Bay State Birth Coalitions, Sage Therapeutics , Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton, Quincy WIC Program, Mothering Goddess Birth Services, Sister Soul Midwifery, South Shore Perinatal Wellness Center, The Birth Company, The Leggett Group, Citizens for a Diverse Milton, Milton Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and The Mattapan Community Health Center.

Milton resident , State Senator Walter F. Timilty applauded the efforts of Co-Coordinators Annette Correira and Tucker Elementary School Prinicpal Dr. Elaine McNeil- Girmai for organizing this event and praised the work of State Representative Liz Miranda for her commitment to bills such at Bill H 1182 for Doula Services.

The event was attended by over 60 people and went on past the 2 hour duration mark, affording attendees ample time to interact with vendors and engage in one on one time with panelists.

The event ,the first of it's kind at Parkway Methodist was Funded in part by a grant from Celebrate Milton, Milton Police Department and Parkway United Methodist Church . All in attendance left with resources and skills on how to help moms and families in our community.

To learn more about the panelists and the Religion and Race Committee at Parkway Methodist Church, visit www.parkway.org