Elevating the Standard of Care: Black Maternal Wellness in Marion County

Join us for a critical discussion on Black maternal health in Marion County.

On November 13th, we will gather to confront one of the most urgent issues of our time: the state of Black maternal wellness in Marion County. This in-person event will present new research, Setting a New Standard of Care: The State of Black Maternal Wellness in Marion County, a report that examines the stark realities Black mothers face when accessing quality healthcare.

We will explore the systemic barriers, share stories of resilience, and discuss innovative solutions from leaders and experts in maternal and infant wellness. You’ll hear from policymakers, doulas, and clinical directors who are actively working to improve maternal outcomes and redefine care standards for Black mothers.

Event Highlights:

• Presentation of the new report, Setting a New Standard of Care: The State of Black Maternal Wellness in Marion County

• Engaging panel discussion featuring policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders

• Networking opportunities to build meaningful connections

Featured Panelists:

Rep. Vanessa Summers

First elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1991, Representative Summers was the first female as well as first African American to become Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair. Rep. Summers currently serves as the ranking minority member of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee. She has worked to improve the infant mortality rate in Indiana, support children in the foster care system, and refine the prisoner re-entry program. She is also a member of the Public Policy and Local Government committees.

Ashley Rainey-January, MSN, RNC-OB, IAP

Ashley Rainey-January has spent more than a decade dedicating her professional life to improving maternal and child health. She currently serves as Clinical Director at the Indiana Department of Health, during which, her team’s efforts have been focused on fostering an environment where patient well-being is paramount, ensuring that both mothers and children receive the best possible start in life. Ashley is a Ph.D. in Nursing Research student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Ashley Scruggs

Ashley Scruggs is the Vice President of Talent & Culture at United Way of Central Indiana, where she leads efforts to create an inclusive and supportive workplace environment. With a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ashley advocates for policies that promote the well-being of all employees. As a mother of three, she is particularly passionate about Black maternal health and uses her platform to advance initiatives that address disparities in healthcare for Black mothers. Through her work, Ashley is dedicated to fostering culturally responsive care models that support Black women, both as professionals and as mothers.

Joslyn Cunningham

Joslyn D. Cunningham is the Director of Community Advancement at JUST Community Inc. Born and raised on the far east side of Indianapolis, IN, she founded Blissful Birthing Doula Services in February 2020, attending her first birth that summer after recognizing a need for more support within families of color. Motivated by her own under-informed pregnancy experiences, Joslyn empowers birthing persons and collaborates with doulas, midwives, and community leaders to address racial inequities in healthcare. Passionate about supporting families of color, she continues to advocate for reproductive justice by guest lecturing at Butler University, facilitating community education, and leveraging her board service to drive equitable changes in the field.

Host or Publisher Just Community