National Collaborative for Health Equity on Health Policy Podcast: Dr. Gail C. Christopher: Closing the Gap in Black Maternal Health

Published June 9, 2026 · Featuring Gail C. Christopher of National Collaborative for Health Equity

Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, discusses efforts to improve Black maternal health outcomes in a ne

Gail C. Christopher, Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity, discusses critical issues surrounding Black Maternal Health, Healthcare Access, Healthcare Reform, and Social Determinants of Health in the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast. The conversation highlights the urgent need for policy changes to improve health outcomes for Black women and families.

WASHINGTON — June 9, 2026 — In the latest episode of the Health Policy Podcast, host Brian Hyde interviews Gail C. Christopher, a leading advocate for health equity. Christopher, who co-founded the National Collaborative for Health Equity, shares insights on the disparities faced by Black women in maternal health and the importance of comprehensive healthcare reform.

Christopher emphasizes the alarming statistics surrounding Black maternal health, stating, "Black women are at least twice, if not three times, as likely to die from childbirth-related complications." She discusses the recently proposed Momnibus Act, which aims to address these disparities through a comprehensive approach that includes over 14 bills focused on improving healthcare access and social determinants of health.

The episode also highlights the significance of community support and innovative practices such as doula services, which are gaining traction across the country. "Know that there is loving, supportive care available, and it is available usually in your local community," Christopher reassures expectant parents. She calls for collective action to ensure accountability and progress in addressing these critical health issues.

The National Collaborative for Health Equity is an organization dedicated to improving health outcomes for marginalized communities. Founded over 20 years ago, it focuses on addressing health disparities through advocacy, research, and community engagement.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast explores the intersection of health policy, healthcare access, and economic growth. The show features interviews with experts and thought leaders who discuss pressing issues in the healthcare sector and their implications for policy and practice.

About National Collaborative for Health Equity

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the National Collaborative for Health Equity (NCHE) works with community leaders, researchers, and policymakers nationwide to advance health equity through research, leadership development, data tools, and partnerships aimed at improving the social and economic conditions that shape health outcomes.

Visit National Collaborative for Health Equity →

About the Guest

Gail C. Christopher — Executive Director

Dr. Gail Christopher is executive director and co-founder of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and a nationally recognized leader in health equity and public policy. She previously served as vice president and senior advisor at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she led major initiatives focused on community health and well-being.

About the Health Policy Podcast

The Health Policy Podcast hosts conversations on energy, infrastructure, policy and economic growth — interviewing the operators, regulators, and innovators powering America's grid, gas, nuclear, and industrial future. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.