Americares’ Post

Black Women are 3x more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S. With the CDC calling more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths preventable, Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), aims to address the why. #BMHW2024 (April 11-17) is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action to improve the health of Black mothers. Among the goals of #BMHW2024 are to: ‣ Identify and ensure mechanisms for engagement and prioritization of Black women and Black women-led entities in policy and program development and implementation. ‣ Establish equitable systems of care to address racism, obstetric violence, neglect, and abuse. ‣ Expand and protect meaningful access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage, which includes the full spectrum of reproductive and maternal health care services for Black women and birthing people. Learn more about #BlackMaternalHealthWeek: ‣ Black Mamas Matter: https://bit.ly/3TT0zg0 ‣ Local #BMHW2024 events: https://bit.ly/4aQyaOm ‣ National Library of Medicine (NLM) educational resources: https://bit.ly/3TTgJ9g ‣ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Support: https://bit.ly/3JhaY00

Black Women are 3x more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S. With the CDC calling more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths preventable, Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), aims to address the why. #BMHW2024 (April 11-17) is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action to improve the health of Black mothers. Among the goals of #BMHW2024 are to: ‣ Identify and ensure mechanisms for engagement and prioritization of Black women and Black women-led entities in policy and program development and implementation. ‣ Establish equitable systems of care to address racism, obstetric violence, neglect, and abuse. ‣ Expand and protect meaningful access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage, which includes the full spectrum of reproductive and maternal health care services for Black women and birthing people. Learn more about #BlackMaternalHealthWeek: ‣ Black Mamas Matter: https://bit.ly/3TT0zg0 ‣ Local #BMHW2024 events: https://bit.ly/4aQyaOm ‣ National Library of Medicine (NLM) educational resources: https://bit.ly/3TTgJ9g ‣ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Support: https://bit.ly/3JhaY00

Black Women are 3x more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S. With the CDC calling more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths preventable, Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), aims to address the why. #BMHW2024 (April 11-17) is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action to improve the health of Black mothers. Among the goals of #BMHW2024 are to: ‣ Identify and ensure mechanisms for engagement and prioritization of Black women and Black women-led entities in policy and program development and implementation. ‣ Establish equitable systems of care to address racism, obstetric violence, neglect, and abuse. ‣ Expand and protect meaningful access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage, which includes the full spectrum of reproductive and maternal health care services for Black women and birthing people. Learn more about #BlackMaternalHealthWeek: ‣ Black Mamas Matter: https://bit.ly/3TT0zg0 ‣ Local #BMHW2024 events: https://bit.ly/4aQyaOm ‣ National Library of Medicine (NLM) educational resources: https://bit.ly/3TTgJ9g ‣ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Support: https://bit.ly/3JhaY00

Black Women are 3x more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women in the U.S. With the CDC calling more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths preventable, Black Maternal Health Week, founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), aims to address the why. #BMHW2024 (April 11-17) is an opportunity to raise awareness and take action to improve the health of Black mothers. Among the goals of #BMHW2024 are to: ‣ Identify and ensure mechanisms for engagement and prioritization of Black women and Black women-led entities in policy and program development and implementation. ‣ Establish equitable systems of care to address racism, obstetric violence, neglect, and abuse. ‣ Expand and protect meaningful access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage, which includes the full spectrum of reproductive and maternal health care services for Black women and birthing people. Learn more about #BlackMaternalHealthWeek: ‣ Black Mamas Matter: https://bit.ly/3TT0zg0 ‣ Local #BMHW2024 events: https://bit.ly/4aQyaOm ‣ National Library of Medicine (NLM) educational resources: https://bit.ly/3TTgJ9g ‣ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Support: https://bit.ly/3JhaY00

The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) celebrates a monumental victory with the new HHS final rule that strengthens protections against disability discrimination. This rule ensures that individuals with bleeding disorders can access essential behavioral health services without discrimination. NBDF, alongside BD SUMHAC and HFA, has been pivotal in advocating for these changes. This is a significant step towards equity and inclusivity in healthcare. Learn more about this important development: https://lnkd.in/gqy4k2TU

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women due to variations in quality of healthcare, underlying chronic conditions, structural racism, and implicit bias. Improving #healthequity requires working together to bring awareness and action to racial disparities and improving health outcomes. This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re spotlighting the organization Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), who are working to advance black maternal health, rights, and justice. Learn about their mission and commitment to advocate, drive research, and shift culture for Black mothers to combat the rising maternal mortality rate in the U.S.: https://lnkd.in/eRyCtZa #BMHW24 #ReproJustice #ENDMaternalMortality

This important report, hot off the press as of April 2024 by Population Institute, highlights practices that many people don't even realize are happening in the United States - child marriage, FGM, and femicide. As pointed out, "A September 2022 report from the Violence Policy Center shows a 24% increase in femicide in the United States between 2014 and 2020 - And women in the United States are 28 times more likely to die by firearm homicide than women in other high-income nations. There is a dire need for early prevention strategies and awareness-building, improved surveillance and research, and preventative laws."

“INTRODUCTION Violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) are serious global health concerns1 and major obstacles to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.2 According to the WHO global status report on preventing violence against children,3 globally, 50% of children aged 2–17 years are estimated to experience some form of violence each year and nearly 300 million children aged 2–4 years are estimated to regularly experience violent discipline by their caregivers. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the most common form of VAW, estimated to affect one in four women globally.4 Children are exposed directly to IPV when they observe or hear it, and are exposed indirectly when they are aware of such violence taking place (even if not witnessing it).5 Childhood exposure to IPV and direct experience of violence from a parent or caregiver are associated with adverse health outcomes, poor educational attainment, and impaired social functioning.5, 6” Text courtesy of the The Lancet article posted by Kelsey Hegarty

Did you know Black women in the U.S. are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women? This disparity is unconscionable, but it isn't anything new. Health disparities for People of Color have persisted for decades, so numerous public health initiatives seek to improve these circumstances. Expanding access to quality prenatal care and advocating for policy changes to address systemic racism in healthcare are crucial steps. Organizations like Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA) are leading the charge, sharing resources and offering support to improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers—including hosting events for Black Maternal Health Week! Join them at events beginning today, including in-person and virtual events where you can learn how to advocate for black maternal health in your community! #blackmaternalhealth #wepublichealth #healthequity #bmhw24

As a public health professional, a portion of my research has been deeply personal ‘me-search’, focusing on the social determinants of health right here in New Jersey. It’s troubling to know that New Jersey ranks second highest in maternal mortality rates for Black women. According to the New Jersey Maternal Mortality Report, the statistics are stark: a Black mother here is nearly seven times more likely to die from maternity-related complications than a white mother, and a Black baby is almost three times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to a white baby. These numbers are not just concerning professionally but personally, as a Black woman who dreams of starting a family someday. The journey towards change begins with each of us and here are baby steps we can take this #BMHW . 💡Healthcare professionals, it’s crucial to hold yourselves and our peers accountable, ensuring fair and equitable treatment in medical care. 💡Patients, don’t hesitate to ask questions and advocate for thorough documentation of your care - even inquire about a differential diagnosis if you’re unsure about an initial response. Together, we CAN and WILL make a difference. I eagerly await the day when a person’s race no longer predicts their chances of survival during childbirth, for both mother and child. 🤱🏿🤱🏾🤱🏽🤱🏼🤱🏻 #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #NewJerseyHealth #Accountability #MaternalMortality #ChangeIsComing #MPHStudent