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CCRM Fertility Establishes ‘Black Fertility Matters’ Fund to Advocate and Advance Fertility for Black Communities

CCRM Fertility sets up ‘Black Fertility Matters’ fund to support and progress fertility options for black communities.

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In honor of Women’s Health Month (May), global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science creates multi-year commitment to extend its world-class expertise and care to Black women and families navigating fertility journeys

DENVER/PRNewswire/ — CCRM Fertility today is proud to launch the CCRM Fertility Black Fertility Matters Fund – a program dedicated to providing impactful resources that will increase access and advocacy for Black women and families navigating their fertility journeys. Studies* show Black women may be twice as likely to experience infertility than White women, and that close to half of Black women report their physicians do not understand their cultural background when seeking fertility treatment. CCRM Fertility created this multi-year commitment to extend its world-class expertise and care to the Black community, and to break down cultural and historical barriers around Black maternal health and fertility through continued education, encouragement, and empowerment for years to come.

Since its founding in 1987, CCRM Fertility continues to provide the most advanced fertility research and treatments, and consistently invests in leading technologies and achieves some of the highest in vitro fertilization (IVF) live birth rates in the U.S. With deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, fertility preservation, genetic testing, third-party reproduction, and egg donation, by bridging world-class care with exceptional convenience, its national network of leading fertility doctors offers a personalized approach to all patients.

“Through the Black Fertility Matters Fund, we are aiming to align ourselves with community advocates and organizations that are actively doing the work to shift the cultural narrative and stigmas associated with infertility and family-building with fertility treatments in the Black community,” says CCRM Fertility CEO Bob LaGalia. “As a global leader in fertility care and treatment, we want to do everything in our power to be a part of those efforts, and to extend our own resources to increase our reach and ultimately our impact in helping Black women and families achieve their family planning goals and dreams.”

By offering meaningful support and making treatment more accessible to the Black community through the Black Fertility Matters Fund, CCRM Fertility will tap into their national network of leading fertility doctors, advanced fertility research and patient success stories to spark meaningful conversations around the social disparities impacting Black fertility.  

“As a Black woman working in reproductive endocrinology, I have personally witnessed the challenges that many Black women and others in the BIPOC community face when navigating their own fertility journeys. These challenges range from mistrust of physicians to concerns about egg donor diversity and maternal health complications, to cultural and community stigmas that often make this topic taboo,” says Dr. Stephanie Thompson, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist at The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science, a proud member of the CCRM Fertility network. “This is why I am so deeply passionate and excited about CCRM Fertility’s commitment to advocating and supporting fertility issues that directly impact the Black community. With the incredible science and technology available today around family planning, this field is truly one of the most exciting areas in medicine. I firmly believe that CCRM Fertility’s Black Fertility Matters Fund will play an important role in propelling the industry and our society forward by helping to grow more families of color.”

To kick off the Black Fertility Matters Fund, CCRM Fertility is partnering with several organizations and individuals dedicated to Black fertility care and treatment, including:

  • xHood, the first community group and organization created in service of Black queer family building and nurturing journeys. CCRM Fertility will be a presenting sponsor at xHood’s upcoming annual Black Parent Pride Summit on May 26-28 in Washington, D.C., which provides intentional visibility, deep connections and real support for Black Queer individuals anywhere on their journey to and through parenting.
  • The Tinina Q. CADE Foundation, which is a nonprofit founded by Drs Jason and Camille Hammond to provide information support and financial assistance to help needy infertile families overcome infertility.
  • Chiquita Lockley, Executive Producer of her documentary Eggs over Easy: Black Women & Fertility, and Dr. Aaron K. Styer, CCRM Fertility of Boston’s award-winning reproductive endocrinologist, hosted an educational webinar. Within the virtual event, Lockley and Dr. Styer discuss how to empower yourself during your fertility journey, ways to navigate and demystify the process, disparities for women of color in fertility treatments and patient support for the diagnosis of infertility – and more.

CCRM Fertility welcomes any organization to reach out if they are eager to get involved in its Black Fertility Matters Fund by contacting Rachel Cole at rcole@ccrmivf.com.

For more information on CCRM Fertility’s Black Fertility Matters Fund, partners and upcoming events, please visit ccrmivf.com/BlackFertilityMatters.

*Source: American Psychological Association

About CCRM Fertility
CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science. Founded by Dr. William Schoolcraft over 35 years ago, CCRM Fertility specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation. CCRM Fertility leverages its own data and a dedicated team of in-house reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and geneticists to deliver industry-leading outcomes. CCRM serves 13 major metropolitan areas with 36 locations across North America, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Delaware, Denver, Houston, New Jersey, New York, Northern Virginia/D.C., Minneapolis, Orange County, San Francisco Bay Area, and Toronto. CCRM Fertility is a proud strategic partner of Unified Women’s Healthcare, which is accelerating meaningful change in women’s healthcare by building healthy, innovative and mission-driven businesses to meet the comprehensive needs of women across the entirety of their health journey. For more information, visit www.ccrmivf.com

SOURCE CCRM

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Community Fundraiser Hosted by CFC in Support of Infertility Awareness Week

Canadian Fertility Consulting and Fertility Matters Canada Unite for Virtual Paint Night Fundraiser

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TORONTO (Newswire.com) – Canadian Fertility Consulting is proud to announce a Virtual Paint Night Fundraiser in support of Infertility Awareness Week, scheduled for April 28, 2024. This event aims to raise awareness about infertility issues while supporting Fertility Matters Canada, a national charity dedicated to assisting those struggling with fertility challenges.

The virtual paint night will be led by the talented Jenny Hughes of Oceanside Art Studios, offering participants the opportunity to unleash their creativity while supporting a meaningful cause. Taking part is simple – join from the comfort of your home via Microsoft Teams, and we will provide all the necessary paint materials, conveniently shipped directly to your door.

“We are thrilled to host this virtual paint night fundraiser to support Infertility Awareness Week and Fertility Matters Canada,” said Janet Harbick, Administrative Specialist at Canadian Fertility Consulting. “It’s an opportunity for our community to come together, express themselves artistically, and raise vital funds for a cause that impacts so many lives.”

Participants are encouraged to register by April 12, 2024, to ensure timely delivery of the paint supplies. Registration and payment are required to secure your spot in this event.

The theme for the evening is to paint a beautiful hatching embryo, with each participant adding their own unique interpretation. No prior painting experience is necessary, as guidance will be provided throughout the virtual session.

Infertility affects one in six Canadians, leading many to explore alternative paths to parenthood. Statistics show that 40% of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, 30% to male factors, and 30% to joint infertility or remain unexplained. Additionally, various factors such as sexual orientation, genetic diseases, gynecological issues, and career considerations contribute to the complexity of infertility challenges faced by individuals and couples across every demographic and economic group.

Canadian Fertility Consulting is Canada’s largest surrogacy and egg donation agency, committed to assisting couples and individuals in their journey to parenthood. With a mission to build families with love, we provide guidance and support throughout the process of exploring alternative methods of family building.

Join us for a night of creativity and compassion as we come together to support Infertility Awareness Week and Fertility Matters Canada. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by infertility.

For more information and to register for the Virtual Paint Night Fundraiser, visit Paint Night Event Registration.

About Canadian Fertility Consulting:

Canadian Fertility Consulting is Canada’s largest surrogacy and egg donation agency, dedicated to helping couples and individuals navigate the challenges of infertility. With a focus on compassion and support, we assist in building families through surrogacy and egg donation arrangements.

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World Health Day 2020: Celebrating Nurses and Midwives in Healthcare

World Health Day: Celebrating nurses and midwives, the backbone of healthcare. #HealthcareHeroes #WorldHealthDay2020

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Today isWorld Health Day, an annual event that takes place on April 7th, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This day serves as a platform to highlight various health issues and set the tone for future developments in the global wellness and medical world. From mental health to insurance and everything in between, World Health Day tackles it all.

Let’s delve into the history of this significant day. The creation of the World Health Organization marked a turning point in international health efforts. In December 1945, officials from Brazil and China proposed the establishment of a comprehensive and independent international health organization. Half a year later, in July 1946, the WHO Constitution was approved in New York. On April 7, 1948, this constitution entered into force with 61 countries signing an agreement to inaugurate the NGO.

World Health Day: Celebrating nurses and midwives, the backbone of healthcare. #HealthcareHeroes #WorldHealthDay2020

Among the early initiatives of WHO was the introduction of World Health Day. Originally observed on July 22, 1949, the date was later changed to April 7, coinciding with the establishment of WHO, in order to encourage student participation. Since 1950, each World Health Day has been assigned a different theme, chosen by the WHO Director-General in consultation with member governments and staff.

World Health Day offers a globally significant opportunity to draw attention to crucial public health issues that impact communities worldwide. On this day, various promotional programs are launched that extend far beyond April 7th, raising awareness and fostering positive change.

This year, World Health Day shines a spotlight on the exceptional contributions made by nurses and midwives to the healthcare industry. Nurses and midwives are the devoted and restless workforce that has transformed healthcare as we know it. Their tireless efforts, compassion, and expertise make them the backbone of the healthcare system, providing invaluable care and support to individuals and communities across the globe.

World Health Day 2020 celebrates nurses and midwives by organizing advocacy events worldwide. One of the highlights is the launch of the first-ever State of the World’s Nursing Report. This groundbreaking report will provide critical insights and recommendations to optimize the contributions of the nursing workforce. In 2021, a similar report focusing on the midwifery workforce will follow.

On this World Health Day, let us all join hands in acknowledging and appreciating the vital role played by nurses and midwives in providing healthcare. We owe them our gratitude and support. Take a moment to thank a nurse or midwife who has made a difference in your life or participate in events and discussions that promote their recognition.

Remember, every day is an opportunity to prioritize our health and well-being. Let World Health Day serve as a reminder to embrace healthy living, support those who care for us, and work towards a healthier future.

Stay joyful, stay healthy, and happy World Health Day!

https://nationaltoday.com/world-health-day/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/

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Walk Your Way to Better Health

A walk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul. Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood for better health.

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(Family Features) A walk is not just good for your body, it’s also good for your soul. Physical activity, like walking, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost your mood. However, reports show walking rates are declining steadily in the United States.

On average, 1 out of every 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, per research from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. Regular exercise improves mood, boosts energy and can even help you sleep better. Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.

Consider this advice from the American Heart Association, which has worked for decades to promote policies and strategies that make it easier for communities to get and stay active. One example is National Walking Day on April 3, established by the organization to encourage people to move more throughout the day so they can feel, think, sleep and live better.

Indeed, adding more movement can benefit your body and mind in numerous ways, such as:

Lowering disease risk. Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate, 75 minutes of vigorous or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.

Increasing sunlight exposure. Outdoor exercise is an easy way to get moving and take in the sunlight, which can improve mood, boost immunity and help you get some vitamin D. Spending time outdoors is a no-cost option and has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood.

Improving cognitive and mental function. Physical activity keeps your mind sharp now and later. Studies show higher fitness levels are linked to better attention, learning, working memory and problem solving. What’s more, a study published in the “British Journal of Sports Medicine” shows people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to develop depression.

Living longer. Healthy life expectancy can be positively impacted by increasing activity. According to research published in the “American Journal of Epidemiology,” swapping just 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity reduced risk of death by 17%.

Get moving to reduce your stress and step into better health. Learn more at heart.org/movemore.

Get Inspired to Get Moving

A little creativity can go a long way to make your walk more fun. You might think of walking as a solo activity, but a companion makes it even more enjoyable. Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.

A walk is a perfect excuse to take a break from a long day at your desk. If you work remotely, take a conference call on the go or plan your walk as a reward for completing a project.

Use your walk as a guilt-free opportunity to listen to a new audiobook or create a walking soundtrack of your favorite upbeat music.

Mix up your scenery. Taking new routes keeps your walks interesting and helps prevent boredom from traveling the same predictable path.

If you need an extra nudge to get moving, a pet may help you get fit. Dog parents are more likely to reach their fitness goals than those without canine companions. In fact, according to the “Journal of Physical Activity & Health,” dog parents are 34% more likely to fit in 150 minutes of walking a week than non-dog owners. Pets can also help lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and boost your overall happiness and well-being.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock


SOURCE:
American Heart Association

https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/health/

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