In Kern County, which boasts a large Latino community, maternal health issues have been a significant concern for many families. That is why the ‘Save a Mom Save a Family’ nonprofit organization has been working tirelessly to provide resources and support to families who are expecting a child. The organization’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes for Latina women in Kern County has led to successful campaigns and medical board complaints against healthcare providers who have been found guilty of negligence.
At the 3rd Annual Latina Maternal Health Fair held at Cal State Bakersfield, families had the opportunity to educate themselves on their health and learn about the resources available to them. The fair featured guest speakers, including Kern County Board of Supervisor Leticia Perez, who shared her personal experiences with maternal health issues and the importance of discussing these issues with healthcare professionals.
One such case that involved a Bakersfield OBGYN who was disciplined by the California Medical Board for prescribing pain medication to a pregnant woman who died in 2020 sparked the ‘Bakersfield Families Call to Action’ campaign, which aimed to raise awareness of maternal negligence and empower families to advocate for themselves. The event also provided an opportunity for families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to come together and work towards improving maternal health outcomes for Latina women in Kern County and beyond.