The third annual Immigrant and Refugee Health Conference will focus on maternal health. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, people of color will represent most of the U.S. population by 2050, yet significant racial and ethnic disparities persist in women’s health and health care. Although socioeconomic status accounts for some of these disparities, factors at the patient, practitioner, and health care system levels contribute to existing and evolving disparities in women’s health outcomes. 

The conference will focus on some of the health challenges faced by expectant refugees and immigrants, offering critical understanding and practical knowledge that can be used to enrich providers’ competency and skills to foster a culture of health advocacy, equity, and literacy. Local and national experts will discuss peripartum period barriers to care faced by immigrant and refugee mothers,  how current policies and procedures affect access to care, and providing immigrants and refugees with accurate, culturally sensitive information and care.
Subtopics will include breastfeeding, patient advocacy, public benefit programs, health literacy, and health equity.

Enduring material credits expire  October 30, 2022