Pictured left to right: Jonathan Webb, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses; Jenne Johns, Once Upon a Preemie, Inc.; Lorina Marshall-Blake, Independence Blue Cross Foundation; Niesha Darden, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; United States Congressman Dwight Evans; Jayne Wilson, Melinated Moms; Pennsylvania State Representative Gina H. Curry
Lorina Marshall-Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation (IBX Foundation), joined local and national community advocates in April to celebrate and discuss Black maternal health.
Marshall-Blake spoke at events hosted by Oshun Family Center during Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17). In her comments, Marshall-Blake talked about the IBX Foundation Institute for Health Equity’s commitment to systems-level initiatives that are improving maternal health outcomes and acknowledged the partners equally committed to this important work.
On April 18, Marshall-Blake participated in the 2nd annual Black Maternal Health and Neonatal Equity Congressional Briefing in Washington, D.C., hosted by Pennsylvania Representative Dwight Evans. The event raises awareness among congressional staffers on solutions to improve birth outcomes for Black women and premature infants.
In March, Marshall-Blake, who is certified to provide doula services, testified at a Philadelphia City Council hearing about solutions to racial disparities in the maternal mortality rate in the city.
