Boston Public Health Commission Hosts Black Women’s Health Conference at Boston University to Address Critical Health Concerns

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~ Boston, MA - On October 4, 2024, Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and the Boston Public Health Commission will be hosting a one-day conference focused on addressing health inequities impacting Black women. The EmpowerHer Black Women's Health Conference will take place at Boston University from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and is free of charge. However, interested individuals must register online at boston.gov/empower-her.

The conference aims to raise awareness of health disparities faced by Black women and provide access to resources for women in the Greater Boston area. It will specifically address maternal morbidity and the impact of breast cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and mental health disorders on Black women. This inaugural conference is just the beginning of a broader women's health initiative in Greater Boston.

According to recent data from the Boston Public Health Commission, Black women in Boston have significantly higher rates of morbidity and mortality from various disorders compared to women of other races and ethnicities. In 2023 alone, Black women had more than twice the mortality rate for diabetes and breast cancer compared to white women. They also experienced a 54% higher premature mortality rate than white women. Additionally, preterm births were nearly double among Black residents (13.8%) compared to white residents (7.1%). Furthermore, Black women had higher rates of mental health-related emergency department visits for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

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Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the importance of prioritizing initiatives that improve healthcare for Black women. "As a woman and as a mother, I know how critical it is for women to have access to healthcare," she said. "We must prioritize initiatives that improve healthcare for Black women, and I hope this conference will help us better support them and reduce persistent inequities."

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, also expressed her concerns about the disparities faced by Black women in the city. "Though Black women in Boston have experienced some improvements in health outcomes, stark disparities still exist in many areas, including maternal morbidity, cancer mortality, and deaths due to diabetes," she said. "This is unacceptable. The EmpowerHer conference is a call-to-action to address persistent inequity and improve overall health and wellness among Black women like me."

The conference will feature panel discussions, keynote presentations, and networking opportunities. This year's keynote speaker will be Dr. Melissa Gilliam, President of Boston University. She expressed her gratitude for hosting such a critical conference that highlights the importance of advancing health equity for Black women and their families. "Together with Mayor Wu, the City of Boston, Dr. Ojikutu, and the Boston Public Health Commission, we aim to empower our community through shared knowledge and action," she said.

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Melissa Hector, Director of Equitable and Strategic Initiatives at the Boston Public Health Commission and curator of the EmpowerHer Black Women's Health Conference, also shared her commitment to creating a space where Black women can come together to celebrate, learn, and empower each other. "This conference is not just an event; it's a movement to elevate the voices of Black women in health and wellness and drive meaningful change in our communities and beyond," she said.

The EmpowerHer Black Women's Health Conference promises to be an informative and empowering event for all attendees. With a focus on addressing health inequities faced by Black women in Boston, this conference hopes to spark meaningful change towards achieving health equity for all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity.

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