Jennie Joseph's Nubian Health Network Brings Women's Health Conference to Orlando, January 2006

When midwife Jennie Joseph first arrived in Orlando in 1989 she had no idea that the word "disparity" could apply to medical care or health outcomes. A product of the British National Healthcare System, Joseph expected that all citizens would have access to healthcare whenever they needed it, no matter what their financial status. Sixteen years later, and still trying to come to terms with the "American Way" of health, Joseph has launched Nubian Health Network- a women's resource database, information and support network with an emphasis on reducing racial disparities.

Joseph, a midwife of 25 years standing, has been practicing in the Orlando area since 1995. Currently the owner and clinical director of The Birth Place, birthing center in Winter Garden, she sees women from all walks of life that are expecting healthy babies and choose a natural birth.

Joseph became concerned about the poor outcomes experienced by Florida women of color when it came to their pregnancy and birth. It seemed odd to her that, invariably, the statistics reflected at least two to three times more morbidity or mortality for Black women and their babies. Recent data has shown that a major impact on infant mortality is the health of the woman before she becomes pregnant. "With that in mind, it is clear that we need to address the link between poor birth outcomes and lack of accessible, affordable gynecology and women’s health services" Joseph says.

Jennie's Nubian Health Network and the Orange County Healthy Start Coalition have collaborated in hosting a free, all-day conference on Saturday January 14th 2006 at the Holy Trinity Reception and Conference Center at 1217 Trinity Woods Lane, Maitland, Florida 32751. The continued, dire state of Black infant mortality and poor perinatal outcomes is of grave concern to health care practitioners and providers, as well as to the public at large. This conference is provided as a vehicle to highlight, inform, support and encourage the ongoing efforts of individuals and agencies statewide that are making a difference. This forum will offer a networking opportunity second to none in order for the continuation and proliferation of life-saving projects and programs in Florida.

A moving documentary called "Bringin' in Da Spirit" narrated by Phylicia Rashad will be shown as a part of this program. This film chronicles the history of Black midwives and their contributions to their community and the health of the society at large.

All are welcome to join in as professionals, agencies and consumers share insight and information on this extremely important topic.

For more details call 407-741-5240 or e-mail Ms. Joseph at jennie@nubianhealthnetwork.org