Can you tell us a little about your background?

I grew up in rural Arkansas. I loved being a babysitter and had a dream of becoming an ob-gyn and delivering babies.

So how did you end up in the field of public health?

After earning a biology degree from the university of Arkansas at pine bluff and having a son to care for, I discovered a new path — public health — that would enable me to continue working toward the goal of tackling health disparities for black mothers, fathers and babies. I then got my Master of Public Health degree and a doctorate in health systems and services research with a concentration in health economics from the university of Arkansas for medical sciences. What brought you to the KU school of medicine? The KU department of population health shared my passion for improving public health and health systems, health policies and health care delivery. I was inspired by the opportunity to strengthen public health systems in Kansas and create a black-led initiative to improve the health and highlight the strengths of black families.

When did the issue of maternal and infant health disparities become so important to you?

Growing up, I was reminded daily of limited access to care and disparities in women and infant health. And as a black mother, I was faced with many challenges and biases in the quality of health care available for myself and my child. I decided I wanted to be a part of the solution and make sure other women did not face the same challenges and barriers I did.

What kind of clinical research are you doing in the area of maternal and infant health disparities?

My clinical research focuses on the disparities in early onset preeclampsia. The long-term goal is to increase the uptake of evidence-based treatment to prevent preeclampsia and reduce disparities in maternal mortality facing black women. My study examines electronic medical records, assesses providers screening and treatment for women at high-risk for preeclampsia and explores women’s awareness and knowledge of clinical guidelines and preeclampsia risk factors.

Can you tell us more about the Kansas birth equity network?

The Kansas birth equity network is a black-led, community-centered approach to creating solutions that improve black maternal, paternal and infant health in Kansas through training, research, health care and advocacy. We have developed a five-year research agenda to reduce disparities in maternal and infant health, create equitable terminology and implement initiatives that reduce maternal and health disparities.

The covid-19 pandemic brought so many existing health disparities to the forefront. Is that also true in the area of maternal and infant health?

Yes, covid-19 definitely highlighted the disparities in maternal and child health. But the pandemic also created additional disparities in access to quality health care for many black families.

You also co-founded the kansas sisters and brothers for healthy infants. What does this group do?

The kansas sisters and brothers for health infants is comprised of members of black greek letter organizations in kansas and is charged with increasing awareness and education on black infant mortality and empowering black families in kansas. We also host an annual event, celebrate day 366, to bring awareness to the african american infant mortality rate in sedgwick and wyandotte counties in kansas. The primary purpose of the event is to educate the community on existing resources and holding listening sessions on issues like covid and pregnancy, birthing and fatherhood.

You also teach public health at the ku school of medicine. Do you find that your students share your interest in searching for the solutions to health disparities?

My students definitely share my interest in addressing health disparities. Many of them are excited about helping to create solutions to reduce health inequities, particularly after our class discussions on how a mother’s health can have a major impact on the health of her entire family.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I do spend most of my time working, because I love my job. But I also enjoy spending time with my family, watching movies, exercising, reading spiritual books and being active in my church.