Maternal mortality dropped by almost half over the last 25 years around the world. However, in startling contrast, deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth doubled in the United States between 2000 and 2014, putting the nation second-to-last in maternal mortality among countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Further, pernicious racial disparities mean that black women in the United States face a deeply distressing three- to four-times higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths. What factors are driving these increases and disparities? What changes will narrow the survival gap between white and black women? How can health care systems more effectively prevent complications and poor outcomes? And how can mothers themselves and their communities be agents for change for a more equitable and safe delivery of the next generation?

The March 2019 issue of Health Affairs contains an expansive look at consumers’ perceptions of and perspectives on their role in the health care system.  Join a briefing at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., when authors will present their work and participate in a robust discussion of consumerism with the audience.

Learn the results of the first national hospital price transparency study in the U.S., hear from speakers, participate in breakout sessions regarding value-based payment options, and engage in health plan and employer panel discussions.

CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat will review the latest findings on bloodstream infections contracted in U.S. health facilities and what more can be done to prevent them.

Wednesday, March 6 at 2 p.m. EST at H-204, U.S. Capitol building Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Co-Chair of the Congressional Valley Fever Task…

Dr. Martin Cadeiras is a heart failure and heart transplant cardiologist, offering care for patients with advanced and rare heart diseases. He has a special interest in the emerging field of precision medicine and the use of technology to improve health care access and delivery.