EP35: Eliminating Black Maternal Inequalities Through Birth Equity with Megan Simmons

In today’s episode with Megan Simmons we talk about the crises in Black womxn's maternal health and infant mortality, how to dismantle implicit biases in the healthcare system, and  what we can do to promote birth equity, education, and maternal care. If you want to increase awareness and achieve goals for health equity for people of color, this is the episode you don't want to miss. <br/>Key takeaways to listen forSocial and health inequities faced by Black womxn Reasons for the increase in Black maternal mortalityEquitable policies to eliminate barriers and implicit biases in healthcare systemsPractical ways to promote equitable healthcare for Black womxn Importance of Black maternal healthcare and educationActionable steps to advocate access for Black maternal care and education <br/>About Megan SimmonsMegan Simmons is the Director of Policy for the National Birth Equity Collaborative. Ms. Simmons’ education in Women’s Studies and Political Science was the catalyst for her career in legal compliance, policy, and advocacy work. She has served as a Federal Agent and was tasked with investigating sexual assault for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). She was also collaterally tasked with representing law enforcement on various committees, including holistic approaches to combating violence against women attached to the Naval installations. <br/><br/>She later earned a law degree wherein she combined her education and her experience by contributing to policy that materially impacts the lives of women and the execution of investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct within higher education. Ms. Simmons has conducted various trainings on sexual harassment awareness, Equal Employment Opportunity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She spends her spare time cooking, bike riding, and reading.<br/>Connect with Megan Website: National Birth Equity CollaborativeLinkedIn: National Birth Equity CollaborativeTwitter: @BirthEquityInstagram: @birthequityFacebook: National Birth Equity CollaborativeYouTube: National Birth Equity Collaborative<br/>Support the show!<br/>Want to learn more about us? Visit our website at www.periodtopause.com or send an email to amanda@periodtopause.com.<br/>Follow us on Instagram: @periodtopause<br/>Join our Facebook Group: Period to Pause