South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV), in partnership with The Institute for Families in Society (IFS) at the University of South Carolina, are continuing the conversation on maternal health with a new live episode of Palmetto Perspectives titled “Saving Mom: Part 2” on Jan. 22 from 7 – 8 p.m. on ETV. Viewers can also livestream the program on the SCETV website, YouTube channel or Facebook page. The timely discussion topic for the live broadcast is scheduled to align with Maternal Health Awareness Day, observed annually on Jan. 23.
Palmetto Perspectives is a community affairs program dedicated to examining the pressing issues facing South Carolina and its communities by amplifying conversations happening across the state. With “Saving Mom: Part 2”, the program shines a light on the life-threatening challenges some mothers face during pregnancy, labor and postpartum, while also highlighting promising programs and innovations supporting healthier outcomes for mothers and babies.
Women dying from pregnancy-related causes remains a critical concern in South Carolina, placing the state eighth highest in the nation. Black women, women living in rural areas and low-income women experience the highest rates of maternal mortality. With nearly 90 percent of those deaths classified as preventable, there is potential to change long-standing patterns. Building on the dialogue launched in the original “Saving Mom” episode, “Saving Mom: Part 2” will gather mothers, healthcare professionals and activists to discuss the complex array of factors that support or hinder women from having healthy pregnancy, birthing and postpartum experiences. The program will highlight South Carolina leadership, resources and innovations committed to reversing alarming trends, while examining the importance of Respectful Maternity Care, an approach centered on dignity, autonomy and informed consent as foundations of safe, high-quality pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
The episode will feature a live studio audience and introduces Sierra Artemus to lead the panel discussion as the new host of Palmetto Perspectives. Artemus, a Columbia native and accomplished media professional, brings extensive experience in broadcast journalism, storytelling and community engagement.
Panelists for “Saving Mom: Part 2” include:
Deborah Billings, PhD – Dr. Deborah L. Billings is a global researcher and activist in sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice. As a Senior Research Associate with IFS, she has coordinated the Voices/Voces initiative since 2020. She also serves in other faculty and advisory roles with the University of South Carolina, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and international organizations including the Pan American Health Organization and the United Nations Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women.
Maria A. Martin, MSW, CCHW – Maria A. Martin is Executive Director of PASOs, a statewide community-based organization supporting Latino families across South Carolina. A certified community health worker with more than 25 years of experience, Martin has led nationally recognized maternal and child health programs centered on access, education and community strength.
Lamikka Purvis Samuel, LMSW – Lamikka Purvis Samuel is Senior Director of Family Solutions at the South Carolina Office of Rural Health, where she focuses on improving access to care and family support services statewide. As a licensed social worker, Purvis previously worked within a major South Carolina hospital system supporting families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She is a certified Community Health Worker and ACE Master Trainer and serves on the board of the South Carolina Perinatal Association.
Faith Polkey, MD – Dr. Faith Polkey is Chief Executive Officer of Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services, where she previously served as Chief of Pediatrics, Chief Clinical Officer and Interim Chief Medical Officer. A board-certified pediatrician and preventive medicine physician, she is also a Regional Director of Medical Education for AT Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine, supporting medical training in South Carolina. Dr. Polkey is actively involved in community leadership and serves on the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees.
LaDrea Williams-Briggs, DrPH – LaDrea Williams-Briggs is the founder of #NotUsSC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes in South Carolina through culturally responsive education and advocacy. Founded in 2018, the initiative develops accessible resources focused on urgent maternal warning signs, perinatal mental health and healthcare advocacy.
Produced by SCETV in partnership with IFS, “Saving Mom: Part 2” is made possible with support from the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare. The mission of IFS is to use university-community interdisciplinary research and practice as a platform to advance the science of helping families and vulnerable populations. It was created in the 1990s through the interdisciplinary efforts of a task force commissioned by the University of South Carolina. Working across disciplines and programs, IFS has conducted research with a variety of partners to reduce child abuse, strengthen and engage families and communities, and improve the health of vulnerable populations.
Members of the public are invited to join the live studio audience for this important discussion. Registration is required and can be completed online.
QUOTES
“Maternal health continues to be an important area of focus in South Carolina. ‘Saving Mom: Part 2’ continues a vital conversation by bringing new perspectives and community-driven solutions to viewers across the state.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
"By continuing the ‘Saving Mom’ conversation, Palmetto Perspectives helps connect families, providers and advocates around shared goals of prevention, education and improved care for mothers and babies.” –Palmetto Perspectives Producer Leroy Green
“The well-being of mothers during birth affects us all and should be prioritized, because every life begins with someone carrying and bringing that life into the world. As a mother and a mother of color, I believe it’s important that all mothers feel supported, respected and protected during that process while also acknowledging the disparities that continue to exist, especially for Black women in the United States. I’m honored to be part of this discussion and look forward to more meaningful conversations as the host of Palmetto Perspectives.” –Palmetto Perspectives Host Sierra Artemus
“The ‘Saving Mom’ conversation helps us to understand the crucial role of Respectful Maternity Care in ongoing efforts to shift the focus during childbirth toward improving safety, quality and outcomes for mothers and babies. The RMC learning modules we're developing at IFS will promote dignity, autonomy and informed consent, as paths toward building trust in healthcare systems and reducing disparities, and show how compassionate, person-centered care is not an exception but a realistic expectation.” –Associate Director, Distinguished Research Professor Emerita, Institute for Families in Society Dr. Ana López-De Fede
FAST FACTS
- Palmetto Perspectives “Saving Mom: Part 2” airs live on ETV on Jan. 22 from 7–8 p.m., featuring a live studio audience with a panel of maternal health experts and advocates.
- Nearly 90 percent of maternal deaths in South Carolina are preventable, according to recent data.
- Members of the public are invited to join the live studio audience for this important discussion. Registration is required and can be completed online.
- Viewers can also livestream the program on the SCETV website, YouTube channel or Facebook page.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Reconnecting Roots, Reel South, Downing of a Flag and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
The Institute for Families in Society at the University of South Carolina
As a non-partisan research institute, IFS is dedicated to improving policy, advancing practice, and strengthening families and communities. Together with partners, IFS makes life better for others through a focus on program and policy evaluation, evidence-based practice, data analytics and innovative data visualizations.
Media Contact
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
