Val Addams MPH, CHES, Washington, U.S.

Val Addams (she/her) is a Health Educator, Public Health Researcher, Washingtonian, leader, survivor, daughter, and global citizen working to foster intersectionality across multi-sector stakeholders, whether pushing collaborations with patients & various providers at Primary Care Clinics/Community Health Centers or partnering with community leaders, she welcomes all. She is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) licensed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC, Inc.) and is currently pursuing a certification to be a Birth Doula with DONA International. Her passions are improving reproductive and sexual health outcomes for womxn, girls, and boys through research and initiatives, leading advocacy activities for Women’s Issues, and innovating collaborations and synergy to improve Washingtonians’ quality of life.

She is a current Peer Organizer with API/DVRP. Before, she was a Research Trainee at the Children’s National Health System, an Executive Committee Member of DC Chapter of Women in Global Health, Advisory Board Member of DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and a former Vice President of DC Public Health Association.

She obtained her AA in Business Administration and Management from Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland; graduated from The Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University with an MPH degree concentrating in Maternal & Child Health; and has a Bachelor of Medical Science from overseas. She realized the connection between Gender Equity and Maternal Health, as well as the importance of minorities like her to bring her expertise to various tables and open opportunities for others.

Session

What is Gender Based Violence? What Does it Have to Do with Doula?

The World Health Organization predicted 1 in 3 women worldwide have gone through Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that negatively affects women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Gender Based Violence (GBV) that is mostly recognized world wide is IPV or Domestic Violence, however, there are many other forms that affect womxn, girls, and even boys, such as Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C); Teen Dating Violence; Harm Against the LGBTQI+ community; Child, Early, and Forced Marriage/Union (CEFMU). Doulas play a big role in prevention at all levels (primary to quaternary) especially during the time of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum (including breastfeeding) for womxn and girls by screening and referring clients to appropriate services as the commitment to offer continuous support and strengthen care coordination between healthcare and social services – addressing holistic needs and preferences of clients potentially linked to not only clients satisfactions but also improved maternal & child health outcomes and quality of life.