Titled “The Intersectionality and Disparities of Infant Mortality,” the inaugural event on March 18th will explore the challenges surrounding infant mortality disparities.
They hope to spark a positive change in the community.
A panel discussion with four health professionals including Thomas Stratton, Lynn Herr, Larissa Madison, and Trinisia Brooks, will provide insight into the causes of infant mortality disparities and possible solutions.
Tori Vance is an active member of UE’s Black Student Union.
“This is a prevalent issue within the Vanderburgh County area and Evansville community, and it is something that needs to be addressed,” she said. “So, hopefully, people will come to at least learn about this, ask questions if they have to, and just go from there and take actions after that.”
The event will begin with an hour of networking from 9-10 AM at Eykamp Hall in the Ridgway University Center.
Here is the official UE news release
The panel discussion will begin at 10 and conclude with a Q&A session with the health professionals following the discussion.
Vanderburgh County has the second highest infant mortality rate in the state of Indiana.
Lynn Herr is Director of the Clinical and Outreach Division for the Vanderburgh Public Health Department.
“I think a lot of people don’t realize that infant mortality is a direct reflection of how well we take care of the most vulnerable in our community,” she said. “An infant born in Vanderburgh county has a three times higher chance of dying before his first birthday.”
Herr said there is a history of policies that inhibit minority populations from receiving health care as quickly as the white population.
For more information on improving birth outcomes for children and parents, you can contact the Vanderburgh County Health Department.
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