Shadie Tofigh, MIPH, is the Director of Maternal Infant Health Initiatives with March of Dimes. Shadie has extensive technical experience in reproductive, maternal, infant, and adolescent health. She has a master’s degree in international public health. She has worked in Arizona and globally in Africa, Asia, and Latin America for over a decade. Her technical leadership responsibilities have included but are not limited to strategic planning, policy and advocacy, designing and implementing programs, developing guidelines, curricula and training, performing quality assurance assessments, and partner management in humanitarian, development, and domestic settings. She has several additional leadership positions, including technical editor for the Reproductive Health Journal and representing March of Dimes on various Arizona maternal and infant health committees. Shadie is deeply committed to ensuring all women and babies have equitable access to quality health care!
Toxic: A Black Woman's Story
Thursday, Sept. 22, │ 10:50 a.m.
Co-facilitating with Rhonda Anderson, RN, BS, MPA, DNSc(h), FAAN, LFACHE, FAHCT and co-presenters Crista E. Johnson-Agbakwu, M.D., MSc, FACOG, and Sharon Thompson, M.D., MPH, FACOG
Black women are three to four times more likely to suffer a pregnancy-related death than white women. The Black infant mortality rate is more than double when compared to other races. In this session, attendees will watch Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story, a film that explores stress, racism, microaggressions, and other factors that impact the lives of Black communities and Black women’s experiences during pregnancy. The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and healthcare leaders will engage attendees in a discussion to further understand the negative impact of racial inequities on people of color, their families, and birth outcomes. The session will conclude with action steps hospitals can take to improve health equity.
Please note: We advise you to watch the trailer of the film before attending the screening. This film includes a discussion of infant mortality, toxic stress, and racism. It may evoke strong and sensitive emotions. If these topics are difficult for you, we encourage you to opt-out of this session to care for your safety and well-being.