The fight for women's health equity continues in the Valley.

Mahoning County is one of the top nine counties in the state with the highest rate of minority infant mortality.

So when a major health care provider for women closed its doors there were fears the problem could get worse for health equity.

When Dr. Joni Camby pled guilty to an alleged kickback scheme and stopped practicing medicine it left a void in care for hundreds of patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.

Camby was one of a few OBGYN doctors who provided care for so many women in the valley in marginalized populations.

CEO of Quick Med, Lena Esmail said, "Other than having one of the largest OBGYN practices in the community, she also served not only patients who had Medicare and Medicaid, but also women in nursing and group homes, generally patients across the board that DR. Camby rose to the occasion to meet the health equity needs in our community."

She adds the problem is compounded by the fact most OBGYN doctors are so busy, they're not accepting new patients.

"In general our community does not have enough providers to take care of patients, a lot of providers are busting at the seams so they don't have room to take more patients. Historically many don't take Medicare or Medicaid," said Esmail.

Esmail emphasized, "I think in general health equity and inequity, especially for women of color, has been an issue in this community."

To meet the needs of patients suddenly left without a women's health specialist, quick Med Urgent Care opened Quick Med Women's Health at the same facility in Austintown.

They made sure patients were able to see a doctor, get prescriptions refilled, medical tests, prenatal care and had a doctor to deliver their babies.

Esmail told WFMJ news Quick Med Women's Health takes all insurances, and because of its Urgent Care in Austintown, it is able to offer some evening and weekend appointments to help women gain easier access to health care.

"That's why Quick Med Women's Care of Austintown has been put together, to help fill the gaps in health care equity. It's not just for women with Medicare, and Medicaid, it's for all women who need care," added Esmail.