Richland Library Main
I Have a Problem with That: Equality in Maternal Health
Thursday, April 25, 2024 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Join Richland Library’s African American History and Cultural Events Committee in this informative panel discussion around equity in maternal healthcare.
This conversation aims to shed light on the critical issues surrounding Black maternal health and provide valuable insights into addressing disparities in birth outcomes while advocating for the rights and well-being of birthing individuals and promoting culturally competent care. Don't miss out on this chance to participate in this important conversation!
Panelists will include…
Rhonda Sims, affectionately known as "Rho," is a dynamic activist, wife, mother, and trailblazer in the realm of reproductive justice and maternal health. Serving as the Program Manager for Outreach at the Preeclampsia Foundation for the MoMMA's Voices program, Rho is committed to cultivating strategic partnerships that advocate for advancements in maternal health quality. Notable achievements in Rho's impactful career include her involvement in the national campaign "The Gathering Table" Focus group, her role in the SC Birth Outcomes Initiative Patient Safety Workgroup, membership in Mom Congress, her community engagement seat on the committee for the National Institute of Health Improve CHIP grant (Implementing Maternal Health and Pregnancy Vision for Everyone), and her initiative in founding and leading the first proclamation and resolution for Columbia Black Maternal Health Week in April 2024 for the City of Columbia
Dr. Kendreia Dickens-Carr is a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist who is currently the Vice Chair of Medical Staff Affairs and Quality in the OB/Gyn department at Prisma Health in Columbia, SC. Clinically she serves as the Lead OB Hospitalist at Prisma Richland which is the regional perinatal referral center for the entire South Carolina Midlands market. Dr. Dickens-Carr practiced in Nevada for almost 20 years before transitioning to Columbia in 2022. She has worked in private practice; but for the last 12 years of her career has served as an OB Hospitalist caring for high-risk OB patients.
Ebonie Garnett is a Birth, Community-Based and Postpartum Doula in Columbia, SC. She also is a Community Health Worker and Statewide Doula Trainer. She currently serves on the SC Doula Steering Committee founded in efforts to create policies for Medicaid reimbursement to community based doulas. Her passion is to see Black families be confident, educated and have quality care.
Nicole Deggins, Founder of Sista Midwife Productions. She is one of the country’s leading birth advocacy experts named “The Midwife Shifting the Narrative” by ESSENCE Magazine. Nicole Deggins is a sought-after trainer, public speaker and community educator working to eliminate perinatal disparities and bring transparency to prenatal education and the medical obstetrical system. As Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of SMP, Nicole is the creator of the Sista Midwife Birth Sister training, the Louisiana Healthy Birth Ambassador perinatal community health worker training, and the creator of the largest online Black Midwife and Doula Directories. In addition to her training and community work, Nicole is a founding member of the Louisiana Doula Registry Board and has spent time as a member of the Louisiana Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review Committee, the Louisiana Healthy Moms Healthy Babies Council, and as faculty for the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
Our Moderator Tacara Young, Media Strategist for Richland Library, is a dynamic leader with a passion for community empowerment and social justice. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Tacara actively contributes to uplifting and advocating for marginalized communities. Tacara also serves as a board member of the Fortitude Foundation Inc, an organization dedicated to promoting education, equity, and empowerment initiatives for underserved populations.
Tacara holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of South Carolina's prestigious J-School, where she honed her skills in effective communication and storytelling. Additionally, she earned a Master's degree from Webster University in Management, further enhancing her knowledge and expertise in leadership and management. Expanding her extensive background in Marketing and Brand Management, Tacara and her husband are the owners of CME Custom Apparel in Blythewood, SC.
Beyond her community involvement, Tacara Young is a devoted mother and wife, balancing family life with her commitment to fostering positive change. Her dedication to amplifying voices, driving meaningful dialogue, and fostering inclusive communities makes her a valuable asset to this important conversation.