Aftershock Documentary Screening & Panel Discussion

On April 13, 2023, during Black Maternal Health Week, Care Ring, along with Presenting Sponsor Atrium Health and in partnership with US Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, PhD, hosted an important event at Johnson C. Smith University to raise awareness of the Black maternal mortality crisis. We screened the documentary "Aftershock" and talked with experts and those with lived experience to find out what is being done and what still needs to be done to address these preventable tragedies. This event was targeted towards maternal health care providers and executives, community activists, changemakers, and anyone serious about making a significant difference for Black mothers. The event was well-attended with 175 present.

The event was free to attend thanks to our event sponsors, and an opportunity to invest in Care Ring's life-saving maternal child health programs was presented.

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The Stats

The US has the highest maternal mortality rate of all developed countries, and the rates have been going up year-over-year, doubling between 1990 and 2013. Source

Black women are dying at almost 3 times the rate of their non-Hispanic white counterparts, even when they have obtained a higher education and socioeconomic status. Source

Historical and systemic inequities, racism and unconscious bias are playing a significant role. For example, a 2016 survey of white medical students found that nearly half held false beliefs about biological differences in Black patients, including thicker skin and less sensitive nerve endings. Source

The Film

"Aftershock" is a multi-award winning documentary. Following the preventable deaths of their loved ones due to childbirth complications, two families galvanize
activists, birth-workers and physicians to reckon with one of the most pressing American crises of our time – the US maternal health crisis. If you would like to watch the film, it is currently (as of 4/20/23) available for HULU subscribers. Please be advised the film is meant for adult audiences due to mature subject matter.

EVENT PHOTOS & MEDIA COVERAGE

Thank you to Michelle Murchison for providing the photography for our event. For all event photos, visit HERE.

Thank you to WBTV reporter Raven Rice and Jamie Boll for reporting on our event and the Black maternal health crisis. WBTV STORY. (Coverage of our event begins at the 11:00 mark).

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Thank you the following representatives who spoke on behalf of some of our top sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Atrium Health: Jennifer Snow, Assistant Vice President of Community Health Strategy; Novant Health: Liz Foster, Community Engagement Partner; Bank of America: Keva Womble, Senior Vice President and Community Relations Manager of the Charlotte Market.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PARTNERS

US Congresswoman
Alma S. Adams, PhD

If you have any questions about this event,
please contact [email protected].