Examining the Impact of Gender and Racial Bias on Healthcare

Sarasota Prematurity Forum: Examining the Impact of Gender and Racial Bias on Healthcare

They may seem like two completely different topics—prematurity and bias—but they are intertwined. Impacts of racial and gender bias are seen in the glaring birth and health disparities nationwide, and Sarasota is no exception.

The Forum, a multi-agency cooperative effort, was eye-opening according to many in attendance. Community member and professionals from a variety of healthcare professions—OGBYNs, nurses, mental health experts, social workers, and more—all repeated how impactful the presenters were and indicated a variety of ways they would bring the lessons learned into their workplaces.

Presentations included:

• Eddy Regnier, MSW, MA, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist for Assessment & Therapy Services presented his keynote “Impact of Gender and Racial Bias on Healthcare” which led us down the history of bias in healthcare, a presentation he will bring to legislators in Tallahassee and DC to assist with policy change.

• Jessica Gordon, Ph.D., ARNP, CPNP-PC President of the Florida Breastfeeding Coalition presented on “Addressing Disparities and Prejudices in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding through Leadership” which emphasized that we each can lead the way for systems change.

• Nathan Brummer, JD Executive Director of ALSO Youth presented on “Developing Cultural Compassion” which drove home the need for all healthcare providers in our area to reevaluate our language and assumptions

• Estrellita “Lo” Berry, President of REACHUP presented “Effectively Addressing Racial Disparities in Birth and Health Outcomes: A Closer Look at Cultural Competency and Implicit Bias” which brought together many of the elements presented and showed how they affect birth outcomes, including preterm birth

• Carol Poteat-Buchanan Board Member, Embracing Our Differences presented on “Embracing Our Differences” and how art and youth can bridge the divide

For those unable to attend, the slides and audio of the presentation are available online. If each of us examines how our unconscious biases affect how we interact with those we serve, each of us can be the pebble that causes change in our community.

We’d like to thank our planning committee, partners, and sponsors. This Forum truly was a team effort.

For more information, contact Jamee Thumm at Jamee.thumm@healthystartsarasota.org or 941-373-7070 ext. 307.