Morehouse School of Medicine's "Danforth Dialogues" Podcast Holds A Discussion With EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler

Ms. Butler and MSM CEO and President Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice Look At The Intersection of Public Health and Public Policy in These Historic Times

ATLANTA, Aug. 8, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) today published the latest edition of its new "Danforth Dialogues" podcast, featuring a "Conversation of Significance" between MSM President and CEO Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice and EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler discussing the intersection of public health and public policy in this unprecedented period in the history of the United States.

Dr. Montgomery Rice and Ms. Butler, the first Black woman to lead EMILY's List, held a wide-ranging conversation during the National Medical Association's (NMA) annual convention here on the continuing health disparities in communities of color in the face of an overarching public health policy debate across the nation's political landscape.

"As the country continues to deal with the effects of the worst global public health crisis in 100 years, it is important that we reassess our public health policies with an understanding that each person has the right to equitable access to health care, particularly women in underserved communities here and around the world," said Dr. Montgomery Rice. "We are so pleased to have Ms. Butler, who has dedicated her career to empowering women from all walks of life, join us for this important conversation."

The podcast was recorded before a live audience of prominent African American female physicians and healthcare leaders at a luncheon hosted by Dr. Montgomery Rice. Ms. Butler and Dr. Montgomery Rice discussed a host of issues including current proposed federal legislation to address the high rate of maternal mortality among Black and Hispanic women.

"Not all of us are going to be marching, but there are roles we can play in educating our communities about the issues that are important to them," said Ms. Butler. "We wouldn't be in the position of moving this (maternal health) legislation if not for the quality of research in the academic community."

Morehouse School of Medicine's Center for Maternal Health Equity, launched in 2019, has quickly become one of the country's leading resources to improve maternal health for Black and Hispanic women who are more likely to experience maternal health issues than white women. The Center has received more than $9 million in grants and other funding in support of several research initiatives and programs to improve maternal health in underserved communities.

Launched earlier this year, Danforth Dialogues focuses on the leadership lessons from the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and their broader implication for society. Named after the
historic Danforth Chapel on the Morehouse College campus, the podcast series features a cross-section of guests and topics. The "Conversation of Significance" editions feature more in-depth discussions with key leaders from a wide range of backgrounds. Other editions could include multiple guests and topics not directly related to the pandemic but focused on broader aspects of leadership.

To hear this edition of the podcast, click here. For more information about the Danforth Dialogues leadership series, click here.

To listen and subscribe to the Danforth Dialogues podcast, click here.

For more information about Morehouse School of Medicine, please visit MSM.edu.

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About Morehouse School of Medicine

• Founded in 1975, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is among the nation's leading educators of primary care physicians, biomedical scientists, and public health professionals. An independent and private historically-Black medical school, MSM was recognized by the Annals of Internal Medicine as the nation's number one medical school in fulfilling a social mission—the creation and advancement of health equity. Morehouse School of Medicine's faculty and alumni are noted for excellence in teaching, research, and public policy, as well as exceptional patient care. MSM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award doctoral and master's degrees. To learn more about programs and donate today, please visit http://www.msm.edu or call 404-752-1500.

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SOURCE Morehouse School of Medicine