Planned Parenthood Celebrates Inauguration of Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, Morehouse School of Medicine President
For Immediate Release: Sept. 10, 2014
Cecile Richards to join Dr. Rice for inaugural “Conversation of Significance”
Atlanta, GA -- Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Planned Parenthood Southeast congratulate Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice during her inauguration as Morehouse School of Medicine's new president. Dr. Montgomery Rice is Morehouse’s first woman president, and the first African-American woman to head a medical school in the United States.
"We're excited and honored to celebrate Dr. Montgomery Rice during her historical inauguration this week," said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "Throughout her career, she has shown dedication to preventive and reproductive care research and has gained much respect among her peers and medical community. Leaders like Dr. Montgomery Rice are needed to help us train the next generation of medical providers to ensure a healthy America.”
Planned Parenthood is a sponsor for the inauguration. Beginning Thursday, supporters of the medical school will participate in university and community events focused on health and wellness.On Saturday, Dr. Montgomery Rice will launch her "Conversation of Significance" series to go throughout the year, highlighting women leaders in the health world. Richards will be the inaugural guest of the series as she and Dr. Montgomery Rice discuss health care, leadership and the role women play in creating healthy workplace environments.
"Planned Parenthood Southeast looks forward to working closely with Morehouse School of Medicine to serve women, men, and families in Georgia," said Staci Fox, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast. "We stand in celebration with Morehouse during this momentous occasion and are honored to support the inauguration of Dr. Montgomery Rice, an esteemed leader and visionary partner in our shared work on preventive care and wellness.”
While Morehouse College is one of the nation’s first historically black undergraduate institutions for men, Morehouse School of Medicine was established in 1975. Since its inception, it has received recognition as a top medical school with a social mission.
"The southeast U.S. faces some of the poorest health outcomes in the nation," said Dr. Vanessa Cullins, vice president for external medical affairs for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. "With Morehouse's reputation for training leaders of the African-American community, I'm looking forward to a new generation of medical providers who will work to improve health outcomes for our communities. Studies show that minorities trust their health care providers more when they can identify with them. Part of the solution for the South is to provide greater access to health care, and to ensure that medical providers are a part of the social and cultural fabrics of southern communities.”
For information regarding Planned Parenthood’s partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, please contact the media line. For more information about Dr. Montgomery Rice’s inauguration, please visit the Morehouse School of Medicine website.
###
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
Source
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Contact
Planned Parenthood Federation of America media office: 212-261-4433
Published
September 10, 2014