Mississippi ranks last in almost every leading health category in the US. Hospitals across rural parts of the state are in jeopardy of being shut down. This is especially challenging in a state with the highest infant mortality rate in the US, where the leading cause of infant mortality is preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy). Also, heart disease plagues this state and women of color are disproportionately affected. Heart disease is more prevalent among African American women than white women and is the leading cause of death among Latinas. So how do women gain equitable access to health care in a state that suffers these disparities? These issues and many more will be discussed by our illustrious panel of medical professionals which include Dr. Sandra Melvin (CEO of Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health), Dr. Nekitra Burse (CEO of Six Dimensions, LLC), and Wengora Thompson (CVS Health, Health Equity Lead). The panel will be moderated by Latisha Latiker, director of grant programming for the Mississippi Women’s Foundation. Join us May 17th at the Rick House by Manship located at 717 Poplar Blvd, Jackson, MS. This Ideas On Tap program is brought to you in proud partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Mississippi. Free snacks and a Cash bar will be provided