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Empowering Mothers Health & Wellness Summit set for Sept. 20 at SC State University

Author: Sam Watson, Director of University Relations|Published: September 10, 2024|All News, Faculty & Staff News

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Members of SC State’s Infant and Maternal Mortality Project team: Kayla Williams, media-communications specialist; Kyle Stanley, program coordinator, Latrecia Adams, community health worker; Charlone Williams, administrative specialist/subaward coordinator; Dr. Audrey McCrary-Quarles, co-principal investigator; and Dr. Ashley Evans Knowell, principal investigator.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University’s Infant Maternal Mortality Project (IMM) will host its inaugural Empowering Mothers Health and Wellness Summit on beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Fine Arts Building on campus.

The summit is dedicated to supporting and empowering mothers through a comprehensive program that addresses crucial aspects of health, wellness and infant maternal care.

“We are thrilled to host this summit to empower mothers in our community,” said the IMM Project’s principal investigator, Dr. Ashley Evans Knowell, an associate professor of biology and co-director of the Health Equity Research and Training Center at SC State. “Our goal is to provide a platform for education, support, and collaboration to improve the health and wellness of mothers and their families.”

The summit will bring together mothers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates, and resources to discuss the pressing issues of maternal and infant health.

Participants will engage in insightful discussions, participate in workshops, and hear from such distinguished guest speakers as Jonquette Sanders-White, a leading voice in maternal health advocacy; Shafia M. Monroe, a midwife; and Dr. Erika Lusby, an OB-GYN.

Registration details

The Empowering Mothers Health and Wellness Summit is free to attend, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/953419281737?aff=oddtdtcreator .

Summit highlights:

  • Expert panels: Gain valuable insights from healthcare professionals and industry experts on topics such as prenatal care, postpartum wellness, mental health, and nutritional guidance for mothers and children.
  • Guest speakers: Learn from inspiring stories and experiences shared by our featured speakers who will provide valuable perspectives on maternal health challenges and solutions.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with other mothers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to build a supportive network focused on enhancing maternal and infant health outcomes.
  • Vendor fair: Explore a variety of resources from local organizations offering support and services for mothers and families.
     

About SC State’s Infant Maternal Mortality Team

The IMM Project team at South Carolina State University is leading a transformative initiative to combat the high infant-mother mortality rates affecting African-American communities in South Carolina.

Funded by a $1.7 million project from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (formerly DHEC), the two-year project includes partnerships with local management service organizations, churches, HBCUs, and professional groups to provide grants and resources for community-led activities, such as baby showers, educational webinars, and screenings.

The team is dedicated to ensuring that accurate information and resources reach underserved communities to address this urgent health crisis. For more information about the program, www.immscsu.org.