DEARBORN — The American Association of University Women-Dearborn will host a program on women’s health care disparities from 7 to 9 p.m. March 15 at the Dearborn Historical Museum McFadden-Ross House, 915 S. Brady.
The public is invited; admission is free, although donations will be accepted.
The meeting will begin with a preview of BBC’s popular season 12 drama, “Call the Midwife.” Following the screening, a discussion about women’s health care will be led by a retired midwife, and a doula.
Deborah McBain is a retired certified nurse midwife with over 40 years of experience in women’s reproductive health care. She practiced midwifery for 23 years in the Detroit area and remains active in supporting issues related to women’s healthcare from adolescents to post-menopause.
Erika Millender is a certified doula with experience working with a diverse population in southeast Michigan. A doula is a birth professional who provides emotional and physical support, as well as resources for women and families throughout the childbirth process.
The two will discuss the impact of health care disparities that lead to increased morbidity and mortality, as well as programs and strategies to improve outcomes for all women and babies.
“Empowerment occurs when there is awareness of issues contributing to poor health outcomes, and understanding effective strategies to improve care,” McBain said.
AAUW-D will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this fall and plans are being made for the event. Founded in 1933 as a branch of the National AAUW, its roots reach back to a group of Dearborn women who, in 1927, met as the College Club.
The legacy of AAUW-D follows the mission set forth by the national organization when it was founded in 1881. Through values “based on nonpartisanship that are fact-based, and imbedded in integrity, inclusion and intersectionality,” AAUW’s mission states it is “to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy.”
AAUW-D recently obtained a 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit charity. Fundraiser profits support human rights issues, local educational programs and community outreach. AAUW National recently recognized the Dearborn branch with a 5-star status, the only Michigan branch to receive this recognition. The branch holds monthly meetings that provide programs to learn about pertinent issues affecting women today. Many of the meetings are also, open to the public.
Fundraisers are held throughout the year and a yearly Used Book and Media Sale is held each fall. This year the sale will be held on Oct. 5 to 7 at the Dearborn Ice Skating Center, 14900 Ford Road. Thousands of books will be available for sale.
Since 2011, three high school seniors, one from each of the Dearborn public high schools, have received the Marge Powell Leadership Award based on their leadership, integrity and community service.
This year each will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship, a special certificate, and their names will be added to a plaque at each of their schools, which includes the names of every student who has received the award at their school. The students are chosen each year by the counselors and principals from each of the high schools.
The funds also are used to support community programs that empower women, including supporting students at University of Michigan-Dearborn and Henry Ford College who show leadership qualities.
Besides the monthly meetings that focus on relevant topics impacting women nationally and across the globe, there are interest groups held monthly, as well. Interest groups are small groups that meet to explore a range of topics from book clubs, epicureans, global studies, fitness, art and bridge.
A number of volunteer activities are available, such as working on the used book sale (a year- long project), participating in committee or leadership roles for the branch, or assisting with various support efforts for the community projects.
Membership is open to anyone, regardless of gender, age, disability, gender identity, residence, national origin, race, religious beliefs or socioeconomic status.
For those interested in joining AAUW-D who do not have a college degree, they may join as a community associate. They receive all benefits and participation in the branch activities, except as a voting member.
Further information about the organization is available on the AAUW-D website or on Facebook.