Janaye Matthews

During an internship with the CDC Maternal and Infant Health Branch, Janaye designed a needs assessment to understand health equity practices among state surveillance programs surrounding the prevention of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. Janaye also spent the previous two years participating in the CDC Public Health Associates Program (PHAP). While stationed at the Rhode Island Department of Health, Janaye’s primary role as a reproductive health specialist was to develop meaningful points of engagement among communities in Rhode Island. Her efforts focused on both raising awareness of sexual/reproductive health resources available, as well as creating space for community members to share their experiences and feedback related to accessing reproductive health care throughout the lifespan.

Janaye’s areas of interest within maternal and child health include considering the value of traditional/ancestral birthing and community care practices across the African diaspora, and among the global majority, as a means of addressing the disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Janaye is also interested in investigating on the intersection between maternal/child health outcomes and historical systems of oppression, such as mass incarceration and environmental racism.

Janaye intends to build a solid foundation in public health research practices that prioritize and uplift community. Her goal is to pursue a PhD and to bring epidemiologic praxis together with grassroot mobilization to inform policy and ultimately impact community maternal, infant, and child health outcomes.

Fun Fact: Janaye's current favorite thing is to engage BIPOC communities with reclaiming/refamiliarizing ourselves with nature and the outdoors -- hiking, climbing, kayaking, etc.