Suffolk County Legislators Tom Donnelly and Jason Richberg recently co-sponsored legislation to appoint North Babylon resident Ebonie Tudor to the county’s Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force (MMMTF). The resolution passed unanimously at the Legislature’s May 2 general meeting.
A resident of the 17th Legislative District, Ms. Tudor, a doula and women’s wellness advocate, was appointed to the group as the Community Member from the Western Portion of Suffolk County.
"I'm thrilled to have someone of Ebonie's caliber serving on our task force and representing western Suffolk County. Residents of different areas of the county have different experiences receiving care, and we need all voices heard," said Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader and founder of the county's Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Task Force, Jason Richberg. “Maternal mortality rates are widely considered key indicators of the health of a society, and I was shocked to learn that the US ranks 55th among developed countries, with the highest rates being in communities of color. This task force brings together local experts including health officials, medical practitioners, advocates, midwifes and doulas who are working to better understand why this is the case and promote programs and services that will help lower those numbers. We're already making progress, and my hope is that the task force will continue to help shine a light on this issue and provide real-world solutions that we as elected officials can then bring to the public.”
Established by Introductory Resolution 1973-20 and originally sponsored by Legislator Richberg, the MMMTF has a mission to “study maternal morbidity and mortality rates with a specific focus on women of color and aftercare and to improve the health of mothers and infants in Suffolk County”
“Ebonie Tudor brings both expertise and a unique insight to this critically important task force,” said Legislator Donnelly. “I am so happy she volunteered to serve and it was an honor to suggest she be added to the panel, as well as a privilege to co-sponsor the legislation. I thank all of my colleagues in joining us in supporting her.”