MPH Program Hosts Public Health Grand Rounds on Maternal Mortality

Eastern Washington University’s Master of Public Health program has partnered with the Washington State Department of Health and Spokane Regional Health District to present a series of presentations highlighting salient public health issues in the state of Washington. These presentations are held on the last Friday of every month from 4-5 p.m. and are now held in the Nursing Building Room 105 at the Spokane campus. The presentations will also be broadcast for those who cannot join in person.

The fourth in the series was presented on November 30, 2018 and addressed maternal mortality. Alexis Bates, the Department of Health’s maternal mortality review coordinator, was the speaker at the presentation. Alexis discussed how 700 women die each year in the United States as a result of pregnancy or delivery complications and how the data is garnering more attention as it is becoming clear that there are populations at higher risk than others for maternal deaths. She then answered audience questions about the history behind the 2016 law that formalized a maternal mortality review panel in Washington and questions about specific clinical and social factors that contribute to pregnancy-related deaths.

Students, faculty, health professionals, and the community at large are the audience for the Public Health Grand Rounds, but all are invited to participate. With each monthly presentation, the hope is to feature the important work that is being done to protect and inform people and improve the quality of life for the community. Attendees will learn about major public health issues, key challenges, evidence-based practice, potential solutions, and the context that influences our health every day. Future topics include clinical workforce shortages, drinking water innovation, aging in rural areas, firearm injury and violence, and Medicaid transformation. The December Public Health Grand Rounds has been rescheduled. See you on January 25, 2018 for the next Public Health Grand Rounds!