For Us: The Black Maternal and Child Health (BMCH) Podcast ™

In this episode, Dianna shares her experiences working in the field of public health, with a particular focus on HIV education and prevention for black women and girls. Diana’s journey from a background in exercise physiology to public health and her passion for education and resource sharing are also discussed. Diana elaborates on the challenges she faces in her role, including HIV-related stigmas, misconceptions about the disease, and the lack of conversation and education about HIV in communities. She also touches on her podcast 'Our Space' which showcases women in various fields providing services to black women. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:45 Getting to Know Diana05:28 Diana's Journey into Public Health05:44 Diana's Experience in Exercise Physiology07:33 Transition from Exercise Science to Public Health11:50 Diana's Experience in Corporate Wellness13:48 The Decision to Pursue a Master's Degree in Public Health15:08 Job Search and Transition into HIV Prevention21:43 The Challenges of Working in HIV Prevention26:08 Understanding the Fear and Stigma Around HIV27:05 Personal Experiences and Perspectives on HIV/AIDS28:16 The Evolution of HIV/AIDS Perception and Education29:57 The Impact of Sex Education and Societal Taboos on HIV/AIDS Perception30:46 The Struggle of Correcting Misconceptions about HIV/AIDS31:02 The Role of Family and Community in HIV/AIDS Awareness31:44 The Generational Gap in HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Awareness32:14 The Disparity Between Scientific Progress and Social Awareness in HIV/AIDS32:24 The Role of Organizations in HIV/AIDS Awareness Among Black Women and Girls32:57 The Personal Journey and Passion in HIV/AIDS Advocacy34:10 The Challenges in Communicating HIV/AIDS Risks and Prevention38:05 The Social Conditioning and Cognitive Dissonance in HIV/AIDS Perception45:24 The Future of HIV/AIDS Advocacy and Personal Growth This episode was edited by Kieran Gannon 

Websites/Links: https://www.ecologistsays.com/https://www.facebook.com/ecologistsayshttps://www.instagram.com/a.virosa/

Before her administrative role with RISE, Johanna was the Project Director for Engaging Georgia’s Faith Communities for Promoting Reproductive Health  (EnFaith) study, exploring sexual and reproductive health stigma in Southern faith communities. Johanna has a decade of experience with maternal and child health programs, including the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), where she served as the Title V Director for Georgia’s Maternal and Child Health Services Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she served in the Division of Reproductive Health. As the Title V Director, Johanna was a member of Georgia’s MCH leadership team that set strategic priorities for Georgia’s women and children. She also previously served as the Director of Child Health Screening with DPH. In this role, she led the expansion of newborn screening and medical food coverage and supported initiatives in birth defect surveillance, infant mortality, and children with special healthcare needs services. Johanna received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Florida. She has also received several awards and recognition for her contributions to the maternal and child health field, including Delta Omega membership and the Region IV Young MCH Professional Award from the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Johanna dedicates her career to improving health outcomes for women and children and has a specific interest in health equity as it intersects with reproductive and maternal health and community engagement. LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannapringle/⁠RISE: ⁠https://rise.emory.edu/ ⁠

Before her administrative role with RISE, Johanna was the Project Director for Engaging Georgia’s Faith Communities for Promoting Reproductive Health  (EnFaith) study, exploring sexual and reproductive health stigma in Southern faith communities. Johanna has a decade of experience with maternal and child health programs, including the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), where she served as the Title V Director for Georgia’s Maternal and Child Health Services Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she served in the Division of Reproductive Health. As the Title V Director, Johanna was a member of Georgia’s MCH leadership team that set strategic priorities for Georgia’s women and children. She also previously served as the Director of Child Health Screening with DPH. In this role, she led the expansion of newborn screening and medical food coverage and supported initiatives in birth defect surveillance, infant mortality, and children with special healthcare needs services. Johanna received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Master of Public Health degrees from the University of Florida. She has also received several awards and recognition for her contributions to the maternal and child health field, including Delta Omega membership and the Region IV Young MCH Professional Award from the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs. Johanna dedicates her career to improving health outcomes for women and children and has a specific interest in health equity as it intersects with reproductive and maternal health and community engagement. LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannapringle/⁠RISE: ⁠https://rise.emory.edu/ ⁠

The BMCH podcast is driven by the mission to elevate and raise the voices of Black Maternal and Child Health topics. In episode 5, I interview Courtnie Carter, Communication Manager for Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE). The mission for Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE) was founded to address breastfeeding disparities for communities of color. ROSE works to normalize breastfeeding by providing resources and networking opportunities for individuals and communities. As a national expert, and in partnership with communities, we build equity in maternal and child health through culturally competent training, education, advocacy, and support. The mission for Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE) seeks to educate, equip, and empower men to impact an increase in breastfeeding rates and a decrease in infant mortality rates within the African-American communities. Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere (ROSE)--⁠https://breastfeedingrose.org/ ⁠ Reaching Our Brothers Everywhere (ROBE)--⁠https://breastfeedingrobe.org/⁠

How to connect with Dr. Amutah-Onukagha and her work, please see below:   Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, Ph.D., MPH⁠https://medicine.tufts.edu/people/faculty/ndidiamaka-amutah-onukagha⁠⁠https://ndidiamutahphd.com/⁠  ⁠https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/0ad3yVUaz60⁠ Center for Black Maternal Health & Reproductive Justice  Main website: ⁠https://blackmaternalhealth.tufts.edu/⁠About the Center: ⁠https://blackmaternalhealth.tufts.edu/about⁠Maternal Outcomes for Translational Health Equity Research (MOTHER) Lab ⁠https://motherlab.org⁠ 2023 Black Maternal Health Conference --“The Role of Nurse and Professional Midwives in Addressing Maternal Health Inequities”⁠https://sites.tufts.edu/bmhc/⁠Social Media  Twitter  @BMMTufts@CBMHRJ_Tufts@MOTHERLAB20@PhDiva0618 Instagram  ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bmmtufts/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cbmhrj_tufts/⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mother_lab/⁠   

Birth Stories in Color (BSiC) https://www.birthstoriesincolor.com/

Welcome to For Us: The Black Maternal and Child Health (BMCH) Podcast ™ In episode 2, I share the birth story of my son. My thoughts, concerns, worries, and critique of my experience. Thank you for being here, listening, and sharing! Join us on IG and Facebook group **Warning** This episode describes one woman's birthing experience that may have graphic, controversial, or triggering language or thoughts.

Welcome to For Us: The Black Maternal and Child Health (BMCH) Podcast ™ The BMCH podcast is driven by the mission to elevate and raise the voices of Black Maternal and Child Health topics. In our first-ever episode, I (Naima, your host, and guide) will introduce what is BMCH, who I am, and what to expect from the BMCH Podcast ™. Thank you for being here, listening, and sharing! Join us on IG and Facebook group