Women’s and Reproductive Health

Utilizing basic science methods, clinical approach and community engagement, the major focus of RTRN Women and reproductive health cluster will be to identify and explore methods to better diagnose and treat major health problems impacting minority women and to disseminate pertinent disease-related information throughout the communities that need it the most.

Introduction

The National Association of Social workers reported in its 2004 report on health disparities that reproductive health studies of breast and cervical cancer screening and management, infant mortality, and HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) indicate that minority women are less likely to receive adequate reproductive health care. Minority women are also less likely to have access to reproductive health care, including medically appropriate contraceptives, annual gynecological exams, and prenatal care. These findings are especially significant in light of a national initiative to eliminate health disparities. In which the Human Health Services in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified reproductive health (cervical cancer screening and management), infant mortality, and HIV/AIDS and STDs as one of six focus areas that greatly impact the health of minority populations.

Source: National Association of Social workers. Health Disparities Practice Update: reproductive Health Disparities for Women of Color. December 2004.

Objectives

Promote greater awareness of women’s and reproductive health among the minority population through community engagement.

Facilitate studies that investigate the diseases that disproportionately affect minority women and their reproductive health.

Develop better diagnostic and treatment of health disparities in minority women like breast and cervical cancer, infant mortality and reproductive health.

Scientific Leadership

Montgomery-Rice, Dr. Valerie, Meharry Medical College

Meeting Schedule

Clusters Meeting Schedule