DSW Showcase Student Presentation

ShaCarla Rashid

LCSW-S

Black Maternal Mortality: An Alternative Approach to Address Structural Racism within Healthcare in the United States

Concentration - Administrative Leadership

Abstract

Black maternal mortality (BMM) is a public health crisis in the United States, with Black women experiencing pregnancy-related deaths at three-times the rate of white women. This disparity is driven by structural racism and implicit bias, necessitating a shift from individual-level solutions to structural and practice-based interventions. This paper integrates findings from a systematic literature review (SLR), a conceptual analysis, and a practice application framework to address BMM through an anti-racist medical education lens. The practice application paper proposes a comprehensive anti-racist training framework, incorporating structural competency, implicit bias mitigation, and culturally responsive maternal care. This chapter emphasizes community-based learning, patient-centered communication, and institutional accountability to transform clinical decision-making and improve Black maternal health outcomes. This presentation will introduce participants to a multi-dimensional approach to addressing BMM through medical education reform, healthcare policy changes, and anti-racist clinical practices. These strategies are essential to dismantling racial disparities, fostering equitable maternal care, and advancing reproductive justice in medical practice.

Biography

ShaCarla Rashid is a DSW candidate under the mentorship of Dr. Katrinna Matthews. She is a passionate social worker with 13 years of experience in child welfare, mental health, community advocacy, and program development. ShaCarla is currently a social work senior for Veterans Health Administration, specializing in women’s health and complex care management. Within this role, she ensures that patient-first and trauma-informed care are the standard.

ShaCarla earned a Master’s of Social Work degree (MSW) from the University of Kentucky and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. She is also a board-approved licensed clinical supervisor in Kentucky. ShaCarla’s research interest is related to how structural racism contributes to Black maternal mortality and inequities in healthcare within underserved communities.
ShaCarla is an active member of the NASW-KY chapter and actively supports organizations and policies that promote social justice.

Outside of social work, ShaCarla is a proud mother of three amazing children, two of whom are autistic. ShaCarla's personal experience and advocacy efforts led her to become an active board member at a major university aimed at enhancing autism resources in communities of color. ShaCarla also enjoys being a wife to an amazing husband, strength training, and hip-hop step aerobics.