Dr. Nwando Anyaoku invited Dr. Arpan Waghray, CEO of Providence’s Well Being Trust, to discuss the challenges and obstacles that minority communities encounter in accessing mental health care. Dr. Waghray delves into the stigma surrounding mental health within minority communities and highlights Providence's initiatives to bridge gaps in care, notably through community partnerships. A core objective for Dr. Waghray is to destigmatize conversations around mental health and foster a culture where such discussions are normalized.

If you would like additional information on resources, please check out these links:

• Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Resources Supporting Minority Populations - Well Being Trust
• Resources - Well Being Trust

Host, Dr. Nwando Anyaoku, Chief Health Equity and Clinical Innovation Officer at Providence welcomed guests Dr. Tanya Sorensen, executive director Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Sauleiha Akangbe, clinical program manager, JUST Birth Network.

On this episode, Dr. Sorensen and Sauleiha share some insight with us about why Black women face alarming disparities in maternal mortality rates compared to white women, regardless of their income or education level. And why this racial disparity extends to other life-threatening conditions during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia and postpartum hemorrhage, and increased rates of preterm birth and low birth weight.

They also discussed some of the ways in which Providence is addressing these health equity issues, such as with the JUST Birth Network | Swedish.

Additional information about Black maternal health care

CDC data show that Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, with most of the maternal deaths being preventable. This heightened risk spans all income and education levels. According to the study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the wealthiest Black woman in California is at a higher risk of maternal mortality than the least wealthy white woman.

Black birthing people are also more likely to experience life-threatening conditions like preeclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, and blood clots, as well as increased incidence of other pregnancy-related complications like preterm birth and low birth weight.

Amid a national reckoning with the systemic racism underpinning American society and health care, advocates are pushing forward solutions from multiple angles, including reforming policy, health systems and medical education, and bolstering community-based organizations that advocate for better care and resources for Black moms.

Host, Dr. Nwando Anyaoku, engages in a discussion with Dr. Sonja Maddox, a primary care physician at PAC Med (part of the Providence family), and Denise Colome, Director of Health Equity in the South Division. Together, they delve into the intricate nuances of health equity pertaining to colorectal cancer.

Throughout the episode, they shed light on the specific challenges faced by Black and LatinX communities regarding this disease, while also exploring the proactive measures being taken by Providence to address these issues.

"The best screening is the one that's taken." - Denise Colome

One of our partners in addressing the health equity issues around cancer is Stand Up to Cancer. If you would like more information, you can do so at www.providence.org/lp/stand-up-to-cancer.