Councilwoman Cindy Bass to join as a panelist for Bebashi’s virtual panel discussion on health disparities that affect black women

The event is the second in a series of community conversations that focus on issues that affect Philadelphia’s communities.

Philadelphia, PA (March 10, 2021) – March is a month dedicated to women, and Bebashi – Transition to Hope is bringing attention to the health disparities that still disproportionately affect black and African American women.

On Tuesday, March 23, from 1 pm, the 35-year-old nonprofit organization will host “A Community Conversation on Health Inequities Among Black and African American Women,” a free virtual panel discussion that will focus on the many challenges that women of color face as it relates to accessing quality healthcare and resources that support holistic care.

According to latest research, black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than white women, are three to four times more likely to suffer from severe disability resulting from childbirth and are less likely to seek medical help for infertility. In addition, four out of five black women are overweight and in Philadelphia, black women are seven times more likely to die from breast cancer than white women.

“When we look at factors such as maternal mortality rates, breast cancer mortality rates, access to fertility care and representation in some key biomedical research and clinical trials, black women continue to be disproportionately affected and underrepresented,” said Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip, Communications Specialist. “Through this event Bebashi is shining a light on these issues, encouraging meaningful dialogue and pushing for significant change.”

This event is the second in Bebashi’s Community Conversation series and will once again be moderated by NBC10 anchor and reporter Stephanía Jiménez. Panelists will include Councilwoman Cindy Bass; renowned breast cancer surgeon and Bebashi board member, Dr. Monique Gary; along with representatives from the American Heart Association and the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine.

To learn more about the event and to register, visit bebashi.org/events or call 215-769-3561.

Media Contact:

Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip
Communications Specialist
Bebashi – Transition to Hope
Phone:  (215) 769-3561 ext. 159
Email:    judeannesp@bebashi.org