782: Maternal Mortality Crisis Gets National Attention, Zink Still Educating

SUMMER JOHNSON: 

This is the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition for Thursday, October 31, 2024. I'm Summer Johnson. Now, today's news from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

The Associated Press recently published several stories on the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. Laura Ungar is a science and medical writer with the AP, and she's written two articles on the subject.

LAURA UNGAR: 

I looked at lessons that the U.S. can garner from other places and ways that those are being put into place in America. And then the second story was a look at some of the federal, state, and local maternal mortality solutions that are working, and what lessons they can provide.

JOHNSON: 

Ungar says her reporting revealed that a big obstacle to prevention is one we hear quite often.

UNGAR: 

I think one of the biggest issues is just building trust. So, that involves, a lot of times, having someone in that community be the one who is interacting with clients.

JOHNSON: 

Two of the program success stories that Ungar has reported on are led by black women; as we know, a population more at-risk of maternal mortality.

UNGAR: 

These are you know, folks who, as they have told me, you know, can relate to their clients, can understand a lot of the things that they're going through, and want to help their community.

JOHNSON: 

Ungar says public health may also benefit by taking a look at who's carrying the message in maternal mortality outreach.

UNGAR: 

You know, if you have someone from that community being an outreach worker or someone who has had that experience, maybe you know, for example, you know a single mom who has faced some struggles in her life and then becomes an outreach worker and reaches out to other single moms in her community, that sort of thing.

JOHNSON: 

Both of Ungar's stories for the AP are online now. You can use the links in the show notes to read them.

ANNE ZINK: 

This is Dr. Anne Zink and I get to be your host for Line One, your health connection.

JOHNSON: 

Dr. Anne Zink, ASTHO past-president and Alaska's former chief medical officer, recently hosted Line One, an Alaska Public Media radio show.

ZINK: 

Why do you listen? How do you get your health information? What parts do you want to see more of? Where do you want us to dive deeper so that we can help to support you and your journey?

JOHNSON: 

In the episode, Zink highlights an important public health issue in her state that we've also discussed with her several times on this newscast: syphilis.

ZINK: 

We have seen a nationwide increase in syphilis. It can affect unborn babies and can have devastating effects, and so, we are really encouraging people to get tested for syphilis, have their partners tested for syphilis, and get treated for syphilis.

JOHNSON: 

You can listen to Zink's full episode of Line One by using the link in the show notes.

Applications close today for ASTHO's Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program. It's your last chance to apply and join a network of mid- to senior-level public health professionals working to advance their careers through mentorship and peer support. The application link is in the show notes.

Finally, this morning, make sure you're signed up to receive ASTHO's Legislative Alerts. The alerts are designed to help you navigate not only election season, but health policy around the country. Sign up today using the link in the show notes.

That'll do it for today. We're back tomorrow morning with more ASTHO news and information. I'm Summer Johnson. You're listening to the award-winning Public Health Review Morning Edition. Have a great day.