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PCC eNews
Children face
obstacles
to good health even before they are born. Racial disparities make the problems worse.
Black / African American women are at higher risk for poor pregnancy outcomes regardless of their education, income or frequency of prenatal care.
Maternal inflammation during pregnancy increases the risk for offspring psychiatric disorders and other adverse long-term health outcomes.
Recent research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) also makes the link between traumatic childhood experiences
that can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death.
The Primary Care Coalition invites you to join us for
Opportunity. Equity. Health. PCC's 25th Anniversary Symposium to discuss these barriers to good health for our children.
Register today to learn about the resources we have dedicated to this important issue, and how we plan to collaborate with community partners to ensure the work can continue.
Opportunity. Equity. Health. PCC's 25th Anniversary Symposium.
WHERE: The University of Maryland, The Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center, College Park, MD
WHEN: Wednesday, November 28, 9:00am - 3:00pm
Understanding the Racial Gap in Birth Outcomes - Montgomery County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)
The death of a baby or a pregnancy loss is a trauma to the mother, the family and in many ways, the entire community. Often, there are few clues to determine exactly what happened. The Fetal and Infant Mortality (FIMR) process provides an evidence-based and action-oriented community process that looks closely at trends in infant and fetal losses, maternal characteristics and pre-conception health factors. We also seek to understand the long-standing racial disparity which has disproportionately affected the Black/African-American community.
Observations:
- Black / African American women accounted for more than one-third of fetal losses, and nearly half of all infant losses in 2017.
- The most frequently seen risk factors were overweight / obesity, advanced maternal age and history of prior fetal or infant loss.
Recommendations:
- Increase awareness among physicians and Black / African American women of their higher risk for fetal/infant loss.
- Use community health workers to educate pregnant and postpartum women.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Interface Training
Naketta Lowrey, Training and Technical Coordinator/Community Engagement Services, Family Tree Maryland will discuss Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), which are among the most important public health issues of our time.
Childhood trauma can have a damaging effect on the brains and bodies of children-which unfolds across a lifetime. The history of structural racism means children of color are more at risk because factors that contribute to trauma such as food insecurity, unstable housing, and violence are more prevalent in communities of color. The Family Tree has launched a statewide initiative to build self-healing communities: ACE Interface. This effort will rapidly build awareness of ACEs and resilience; and spur providers, parents, policymakers and citizens into innovative action.
We promise a rewarding and enlightening professional experience, and the opportunity to become part of the conversation around coordinating community services to improve health disparities for our most vulnerable neighbors.
Thank you to our sponsors:
BB&T | HR Strategy Group | Guernsey
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