S01ep03: Exploring Health Disparities, Leadership, and Legislative Advocacy with Ruth Richardson

In this episode, we interviewed Ruth Richardson–lawyer, health equity champion, and trailblazer. Ruth made history in 2018, becoming the first Black person elected to represent her district in the Minnesota House. Additionally, Ruth is the first Black woman to serve as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood in the North Central States in its over 100-year history. From the story of Ruth’s mother’s varied experiences of giving birth with Ruth’s great grandmother as midwife, compared to her birthing experience in a segregated Mississippi hospital, to the recent stories of traumatic birthing experiences endured even by wealthy, famous individuals like Serena Williams, Ruth dives into some of the most prevalent issues around health care inequity impacting African and Black community members, and more specifically, women and mothers. Join us for an in-depth conversation spanning several topics, including: Insights from Ruth’s unique journey in health equity awareness, advocacy and leadership. Language and misconceptions around health disparities and health inequity. Real data and disparities related to African and Black women’s maternal mortality, infant maternal health, domestic violence, human trafficking and more. The importance of educating people about systemic errors like the Black race coefficient and its effects on Black mortality rates. How community collaboration, patient stories and personal experiences shape legislative policy and build better systems. Ensuring legislative policy translates into day-to-day practice. Tips for getting involved in issues important to you!