Despite spending nearly double the international average on healthcare, the United States maintains the highest maternal mortality rate of all economically developed countries (Gunja et al., 2024). In the state of Georgia, maternal deaths are nearly double the national rate (at 50.8 versus 29.6 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019) (CDC Wonder, n.d.). Additionally, Georgia holds the highest rate for Black maternal mortality at 66.6 deaths per 100,000 live births (Armstrong-Mensah et al., 2021). Georgia’s statewide hospital closures, maternal care deserts, and history of discriminatory medicine all amplify an overarching issue: Black maternal mental health. 40% of Black mothers in the United States experience Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) (Hernandez-Green et al., 2024b), and PMADs are the second highest cause of maternal death in Georgia (Stokes, 2024). Furthermore, PMADs lead to high rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, maternal suicide, and long-term effects on infant development and family functioning (McKee et al., 2021). Georgia Black mothers are at higher likelihood to struggle with these complications due to higher volumes of Stress Life Events, medical discrimination, and stigma surrounding mental illness in the Black community (Thompson et al., 2021). Recent studies cite improved mental health & pregnancy outcomes for Black mothers within community-based platforms, including doula care, midwifery, and birthing centers. Accordingly, Georgia changemakers should champion initiatives which integrate perinatal support services into clinical care models. Georgia’s increased investment in these resources could bolster long-term health outcomes for mothers and families statewide.

The World Health Organization and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highly recommend exclusive breastfeeding for healthy children to prevent early childhood diseases. The global Infant mortality rate declined from 65 deaths per 1000 live births in 1990 to 26 deaths per 1000 live births in 2023, compared to 55.7 deaths per 1000 live births in Pakistan. This research aims to find the causal relationship of exclusive breastfeeding with diarrhea, fever, and cough utilizing data from the Multi Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2017/2019. Logistic regression analysis shows exclusive breastfeeding is significantly associated (p< 0.05) with diarrhea, fever, and cough. Results show that exclusively breastfed children are 54%, 38%, and 30% less likely to have diarrhea, fever, and cough, respectively. The study controlled for potential prior and intervening variables of the mother's education level, socioeconomic status, child’s sex, ethnicity, geography, and residence. These results reveal that mother’s milk is a strong guard for children against major illnesses due to its nutritional content and helps avoid other supplementary liquid and solid food during these crucial months. This research recommends that federal and provincial health and social welfare departments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders focus on improving the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, which is currently 56%. This will help children avoid life-threatening illnesses in the first 6 months and build a healthy base for the rest of their lives.

I examine the health impacts of mental health treatment facility access across U.S. counties. Using County Business Patterns data from 1999-2016 and a difference-in-differences design, I find that increased access to mental health treatment facilities reduces mortality related to behavioral and mental disorders. My preferred specification indicates that each additional facility reduces MBD mortality by 0.079%. Event study estimates reveal no pre-trends and show persistent effects following facility establishment. The effects are particularly pronounced among elderly populations and those with lower educational attainment, suggesting important heterogeneity in treatment impacts across demographic groups.

Obesity in the United States has emerged as a critical public health crisis, affecting over 40% of adults and placing an immense burden on the healthcare system. This research examines the multifactorial causes of the obesity epidemic, including social economic, environmental, genetic, and behavioral factors, and explores its devastating consequences on physical health, mental well-being, and economic stability. By employing an interdisciplinary approach, the study analyzes National Health data, explores policy interventions, in essence cultural influences contributing to rising obesity rates. This research emphasizes the role of food deserts, marketing practices, sedentary lifestyles, and healthcare inequities in perpetuating the obesity crisis. It also highlights disparities that disproportionately affect low-income populations and communities of color. Through qualitative interviews with healthcare professionals and individuals affected by obesity, the study provides the humanized perspective on the challenges and stigma faced by those battling this condition. The findings advocate for comprehensive, community-based interventions that address both prevention and treatment, emphasizing policies that promote equitable access to nutritious foods, Save recreational spaces, and effective healthcare services. The research underscores the urgency of a coordinated, systemic response to combat obesity, integrating public health initiatives, education, and legislative action to mitigate these epidemics far reaching impact. This study aims to inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities about evidence-based strategies needed to reverse obesity trends and improve the nation's overall health, emphasizing that solving the obesity crisis is essential for a healthier more equitable America.