Throughout history, women have been the primary caregivers. All too often, it comes at the cost of their own physical and mental health. Dr. Ebony Parker-Featherstone is an assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discusses ways for women to improve self-care.
WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw County to explore the people, organizations, and institutions creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is 'Washtenaw United.'
ABOUT DR. EBONY PARKER-FEATHERSTONE:
Dr. Ebony Parker-Featherstone is an Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Michigan. She currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Department of Family Medicine and, in her role, provides leadership and oversight for their DEI efforts. She earned her Medical Degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed her residency training with the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine, followed by a Women’s Health fellowship with the University of Michigan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Parker-Featherstone also serves as medical director for the Ypsilanti Health Center, where she provides full spectrum family medicine including obstetrics care. She also provides consultative gynecologic care at the University of Michigan Center for Vulvar Diseases. Dr. Parker-Featherstone’s research interests include health equity, vulvar diseases, and women’s health. A lifelong resident of Michigan, she currently resides in Superior Township with her husband and two children.
RESOURCES:
U-M Department of Family Medicine
UWWC STATEMENT:
We want to live in a community where everyone, regardless of income, can access health care. Healthy people are the foundation for vibrant, productive communities. Washtenaw County ranks first among Michigan counties in “health factors,” according to the 2014 County Health Rankings released March 26, 2014. However, even in Washtenaw County, where you live affects your health. While Chelsea residents can expect to live up to age 85, which contrasts starkly with Ypsilanti Township, where the average life expectancy is age 66. Further, while infant mortality rates have improved overall, black babies under one year still die at almost twice the rate of white babies in Washtenaw County.
Health, healthcare, and prescription coverage goes hand-in-hand. In 2007, the United Way announced an important opportunity to reduce the cost of medicine for children, families, and individuals struggling to make ends meet which still continues today. Healthcare costs continue to be one of the top concerns for people in our community. FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards are not insurance. Rather, it is a program that offers immediate discounts on prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. It acts like a huge consumer group buying service for the uninsured and underinsured. The discounts and savings are provided voluntarily by the more than 61,000 participating pharmacies that have agreed to provide prices similar to what they give large insurance companies and employers. To learn more about this prescription savings card, please go to www.familywize.org.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at 734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him atdfair@emich.edu
