Cocoa Pods

Episode Description Dr Natalie Hernandez,Latinos BIPOC women #Community #WorkLivePlayPray #scientificmethod #GAImprove #DualPandemic #StructuralEpidemicOfRacism #Redlining #TELEHEALTH #PeaceForMoms There exist barriers for participation in research, but to ensure research is reliable it is right to use community focused platforms and community based provider practices to begin and continue their involvement in research. Why? Because that is where the people are and it gives researchers the opportunity to address the disparities of respective communities by advocating for their apparent needs when advising legislators and policy makers. For GAImprove, Principle Investigators Dr. Natalie Hernandez and Dr. Cheryl Franklin use their research to cost effectively improve infrastructure purposed for implementing interventions in many rural health care practices to gauge the prognosis of pregnant women. They have worked to link rural women to essential services, to necessary resources, and to progressive medical systems that hope to provide the best care possible for all women. Dr. Hernandez frequently speaks with policy makers, leading local legislators, and front line workers about the health issues that they see pregnant and postpartum women face during the current COVID-19 pandemic and in the context of racism because their acknowledgment of their heightened awareness will lead these leaders to make the best decisions that will impact the health of the community. She also exposed the paradox of the #DualPandemic: COVID-19 + Racial Reckoning and how both of these issues lead to mental health issues, mainly the acute and chronic stress that many experience. During pregnancy, stress leads to maternal mortality and morbidity, but #GAImprove is researching biological indicators of stress by observing hair samples and sweat production which will awaken some to their own denial of the silent killer. Dr. Hernandez provided may tips to alleviate stress, and gave insight on how each local health department can provide mental health services. On one side of the #DualPandemic, they at Morehouse School of Medicine have begun the beginning stages of what would be a longitudinal study of pregnant women who have had COVID or currently have COVID infection in order to study what the effects of the virus paired with a compromised immune system may be. On the other side of the #DualPandemic, they are studying the #StructuralEpidemicOfRacism and the particular historical policies that still oppress today. Dr. Hernandez and her colleagues are analyzing policies and linking them to research data sets such as where clinics are located in communities to expose how structural policies are related to maternal health outcomes. The results of these major research projects will inform citizens and put pressure on the policy makers and leading local legislators to reform for the benefit of women and mothers in their cities, counties, districts. In order for social research to be sufficiently successful it must move to policy and action. So, please participate in political reform for the sake of pregnant people by getting involved in research. Ways to get involved in research Contact organizations and inquire what kind of research is being conducted Surf the web at www.msm.edu to find ways to get involved in research projects To participate in #GAImprove focus groups where gift cards are rewarded, then email the program manager dteague@msm.edu