St. Joseph’s Health Celebrates International Day of the Midwife, Honors Community Leadership and Commitment to Maternal Health Equity

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— (May 5, 2025) St. Joseph’s Health proudly celebrates the International Day of the Midwife, recognizing the profound impact midwives have on families, communities, and healthcare systems around the world. This important day highlights midwives’ essential role in ensuring safe, evidence-based, and compassionate reproductive health care.

“Midwives are educators, advocates, and care providers who walk alongside patients at every step of their reproductive journey,” said Dr. Jessica Brown, Certified Nurse Midwife at St. Joseph’s Health. “We support healthy pregnancies and births, but we also promote long-term wellness and informed decision-making for women and families.”

Midwives at St. Joseph’s Health work within a collaborative model of care, offering prenatal, labor and delivery, postpartum, and general gynecological support. Their practice emphasizes shared decision-making, emotional support, and cultural competence—leading to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes.

This year’s celebration follows Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), an annual campaign founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to raise awareness about maternal health disparities and to support community-led solutions.

“As a practicing Midwife of Color in Syracuse—and the only one in Central New York—I recognize how important it is to lead with representation,” said Dr. Brown. “Black, Indigenous, and People of Color continue to face systemic barriers, including implicit bias and unequal access to respectful care. Through my work, both in and outside the clinic, I’m working to address these challenges and create safe, inclusive healthcare experiences for everyone.”

Dr. Brown is a board member at Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing and actively collaborates with community organizations to provide education, support, and advocacy across Central New York.

St. Joseph’s Health is proud to offer care from providers who reflect the racial and cultural backgrounds of our community, recognizing that shared experiences can build trust, enhance communication, and improve outcomes.

“We’re committed to growing a healthcare system that reflects and respects the diversity of our patients,” said Dr. Brown. “"Throughout history, midwives have led change in healthcare and communities—and today, we celebrate their impact."

To schedule an appointment with our OB-GYN/midwifery team, please contact the St. Joseph’s Physicians Primary Care Center Main/OB-GYN at (315) 703-5200. The office is located on the 7th floor of the Physician Office Building at 101 Union Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13203. Convenient parking is available in the Medical Office Center parking garage, located across the street.