Kassie McClung

Kassie McClung is a senior staff writer at The Frontier, a nonprofit investigative newsroom in Oklahoma. She covers health and other state issues. She has reported on the state’s opioid epidemic, health care in county jails, gaps in maternal health, and most recently the coronavirus pandemic. She was awarded FOIA Oklahoma’s Ben Blackstock Award in 2020, which recognizes an individual’s commitment to freedom of information. McClung joined The Frontier in May 2016.

Articles

The Tulsa Birth Equity Initiative holds a doula training class in August 2021.

Maternal mortality among Black women is a national crisis, but it’s even worse in Oklahoma

The state has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country.

Children & Families

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Mental Health & Trauma

Community & Public Health

She was charged with manslaughter after a miscarriage. Cases like hers are becoming more common in Oklahoma.

A growing number of women are facing criminal charges for substance use during pregnancy in Oklahoma. Experts and health care providers say that’s bad for moms and babies.

Mental Health

Women's and Maternal Health

Healthcare Regulation and Reform

From left, Jacqueline Blocker, Dr. Syeachia Dennis, Marnie Jackson, and LaBrisa Williams.

Health Equity & Social Justice

Children & Families

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Video: Watch our panel discussion on ‘Racism and Reproductive health’

Black Oklahomans are 50% more likely than white Oklahomans to die from maternity-related complications. Black babies in Oklahoma are almost 2.5 times more likely than white babies to die before their first birthday.

Race and Equity

Poverty and Class

Women's and Maternal Health

While progress to address poor birth outcomes among Black Oklahomans has been slow, women are taking action themselves.

Health Equity & Social Justice

Children & Families

Healthcare Systems & Policy

Community & Public Health

In Oklahoma, Black families turn to doulas for better births

While progress to address poor birth outcomes among Black Oklahomans has been slow, women are taking action themselves.

Race and Equity

Women's and Maternal Health

Community Safety

Patient Safety and Ethics

Mothers and babies keep dying at high rates in Oklahoma

Babies and pregnant women in Oklahoma have some of the worst health outcomes in the nation. A new project will share the stories of women and families affected by the state’s shortcomings.

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Reporting Topics

Kassie McClung

Articles

Maternal mortality among Black women is a national crisis, but it’s even worse in Oklahoma

She was charged with manslaughter after a miscarriage. Cases like hers are becoming more common in Oklahoma.

Video: Watch our panel discussion on ‘Racism and Reproductive health’

In Oklahoma, Black families turn to doulas for better births

Mothers and babies keep dying at high rates in Oklahoma