May 20, 2015
Page 5
H ealth &F itness
Midwives and Women of Color
Advocates
work to
improve birth
outcomes
The International Center
for Traditional Childbearing,
a group founded by Shafia M.
Monroe of Portland, is celebrat-
ing the contributions of the Af-
rican American midwife while
highlighting the under-repre-
sentation of midwives of color
in health care institutions and
schools.
According to Monroe, re-
search shows that midwives
lower the infant mortality rate,
but there remains a shortage of
midwives of color to service
their communities in culturally
appropriate ways that improve
birth outcomes.
“We want to see more African
American youth chose midwife-
ry as their career choice,” she
said.
The national profile of mid-
wives is majority white wom-
en, with less than 2 percent be-
Veteran midwife, certified childbirth educator, Doula trainer and health activist Shafia M. Monroe of
Portland engages an “Inequity in Breastfeeding Summit” in Seattle.
ing black women with only 13 wives compared to 57 percent of
percent of black women being white women being serviced by
served by certified nurse mid- CNMs, she said.
Blood Donations Save Lives
The American Red Cross urges donors to choose
their day to give hope to patients in need by donating
blood or platelets during the “100 days of summer. 100
days of hope.” campaign, officially sponsored by Sub-
urban Propane.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer
and vacation season, and the start of a seasonal decline
in blood and platelet donations,” said Jared Schultz-
man, communications manager, Pacific Northwest
Blood Services Region. “By choosing a day to give
H ealth W atch
Free Body Basics -- This physician recommended
class is appropriate for all ages and health condi-
tions. Plan to attend this one-session class and learn
the simple guidelines for safe exercises, including
stretching. Call 503-256-4000 to register.
blood or platelets, volunteer donors can give hope and
help maintain a sufficient supply for patients in need.”
To encourage donations around the Memorial Day
holiday, those who come to give blood or platelets from
May 23-25 will receive a Red Cross RuMe tote bag,
while supplies last.
The Red Cross relies on volunteer donors for the
15,000 blood donations needed every day to support
patients at about 2,600 hospitals and transfusion centers
nationwide.
tion, call 503-215-4622.
Maternity Water Workout -- Helping new moms re-
gain muscle tone, strength, and flexibility, all in the
support and freedom of the water. Call 503-256-4000
for more information.
Senior Aerobics -- A low-impact workout geared
specifically toward seniors. Call 503-449-0783 for
Take Off Pounds Sensibly -- TOPS meetings are current schedule.
held every Tuesday at 9 a.m.at the St. Michael’s and Red Cross Certification -- The Oregon Trail Chap-
All Angels Church, 1704 N.E. 43rd Ave. Learn about ter Red Cross now offers credits to helps profession-
this weight loss support program which offers infor- als maintain licensing or certification. For a cumula-
mation, encouragement, weekly programs, fun con- tive list, visit pdxinfo.net.
tests, discussion and socialization.
Empowerment through Relaxation -- Free infor-
Cholesterol Profiles -- Get the resources to help you mal meditation classes that address breathing tech-
keep an eye on your cholesterol and other indicators niques, some gentle ancient African yoga poses and
of heart health. Educational material provided. For mental balancing techniques. People have left these
more information, call 503-261-6611.
classes joyful and with a peaceful view of their lives.
Bereavement Support Groups -- Free, safe confi- Call Dr. Marcelitte Failla at 503-228-6140.
dential group meetings for those who have experi- Tenderfoot Care -- Treat your feet with a soak, nail
enced the death of a loved one offered on various trim, buffing and massage at one of six clinics or at
nights and locations. For information and registra- your home. Call 503-251-6303 for more information.
Earlier this month, Monroe
led a public discussion for In-
ternational Midwives Month in
partnership with the Women’s
Resource Center at Portland
Community College’s Cascade
Campus in north Portland.
Participants watched a spe-
cial screening of “Bringin in’ Da
Sprit, an evocative and passion-
ate documentary that celebrates
the history of black midwives
who commit themselves to ho-
listic answers in the face of pow-
erful misconceptions about the
practice of midwifery.
Proceeds for the non-prof-
it group’s fundraising will help
sponsor students and others to
attend the organization’s 9th In-
ternational Black Midwives and
Healers Conference on Oct. 9-11
at University Place and aid its
mission of reducing infant mortal-
ity, increasing breastfeeding rates
in communities of color by train-
ing cultural competent doulas.
For more information, you
can visit the group’s website,
ictcmidwives.org.