Evonnia Woods is the Senior Outreach Producer for Reproaction, an advocacy organization focusing on reproductive justice.
In Missouri, Black women are “four times more likely to die within one year of pregnancy than white women,” according to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services.
She spoke about the way that intersectional issues – like transportation, poverty and racism – can contribute to Black maternal and infant mortality.
This piece was reported and produced by Rachel Schnelle.
April Mickens Jolly is the Vice President of Health Equity & Culture at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri – and a Black mother.
According to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Black women in Missouri are 4 times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white women.
So, Mickens Jolly spoke about how this serious problem goes beyond just getting to a doctor, and about what communities can do to decrease the risk of pregnancy for Black women.
This piece was reported and produced by Rachel Schnelle.
Dr. Laura Vricella is an OB-GYN and a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.
She spoke about how the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has impacted her and her staff, and about some of the ways that COVID-19 infections seem to be impacting expectant mothers and their babies.
**Note: This piece does discuss infant loss and could be disturbing to some listeners.
Casey Hanson is the Director of Outreach and Engagement for Kids Win Missouri, a statewide coalition of childcare providers and advocacy groups. She's been speaking with lots of childcare providers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and says that many are struggling.
She spoke about the impact the pandemic is having on the well-being of providers and about some of the possible long-term impacts on kids’ development if childcare providers have to close their doors.
Dr. Bart Andrews is the Chief Clinical Officer at Behavioral Health Response in Creve Coeur and Chair of the Missouri Suicide Prevention Network.
He spoke about the possible increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts during the coronavirus pandemic – and about what everyone can do to help.
This piece was reported and produced by Trevor Hook.
Copyright 2017 KBIA and The University of Missouri. Development and Design by Nathan Lawrence.
