Center for Public Justice’s Post

Black women are 3 times more likely than white women to die during childbirth. I myself was given a 50/50 chance of survival when I was born preterm, and this experience drove me to practice medicine and continues to drive me daily.     Black Maternal Health Week is a moment to recommit to our efforts of advancing healthcare for these women and for every single person who encounters the healthcare system. And it's more than one week – it is every day.   Learn how unseen impacts of our social and physical environment contribute to the issue and what we can do as a community to be a part of the solution: https://lnkd.in/es8N-5kR

Great new paper on risk and protective factors for early child development in Nigeria by the amazing Dr. Ngozi Enelamah!

*Tomorrow* March 7, 12-1pm Eastern: We Live for the We, Join me in conversation with Dani McClain, author of We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood. We'll explore how to address inequity and social conflict with children, and the importance of honest and responsible engagement. Additionally, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by single parents, emphasizing the need for community support, and Dani will share insights on the critical issue of Black maternal health during the postpartum period. Register here! https://lnkd.in/eNne7PFm #BlackMotherhood #ParentingPanel #CommunitySupport #MaternalHealth #ParentingDiscussion #EquityInParenting

ACN is in the paper today, calling for nurse-led innovations to identify at-risk children, educate families, and combat weight stigma. Read more https://lnkd.in/gXaRKFVE

Did you know this week is #Black Maternal Health Week (#BMHW24)? As a Black woman, I feel it’s crucial for us to acknowledge and discuss the particular challenges that we face when it comes to maternal health. Did you know that according to the CDC, in #Georgia, the maternal mortality rate for Black women is 3 times higher than their white counterparts? Coupled with the fact that 20% of Black women in Georgia are uninsured, the situation becomes crystal clear - we are witnessing a health care disparity that urgently needs addressing. As a Black woman (and hopefully future mother), my heart aches at these statistics. Black families are more likely to see mothers and babies die during childbirth. Black women also have more pregnancy-related complications. I know firsthand how strong and resilient we are, but it's clear that we face challenges in our access to medical care, especially during pregnancy. That being said, I'm inspired by the tireless efforts of organizations such as Kaiser Permanente Georgia and the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), which are working relentlessly to change these statistics in our state. They remind us daily that change is not only possible but also happening. I urge you to support these organizations and use your voice - for yourself, your friends, your family, and generations to come. Let's remember that the fight for better Black maternal health is about more than just statistics — it's about real women with real lives who deserve the same access to quality health care as anyone else. Let’s continue the dialogue, raise awareness, and create a brighter future for all mothers in Georgia.

As Black Maternal Health Week draws to a close, let’s continue to share our stories, raise awareness, and protect women, children, and families. Black women and our children experience death and injury from childbirth at rates significantly higher than our White counterparts. There are many reasons for this as physicians like Dr. Bayo C. and Dr. Rebeca Segraves explain in their advocacy work, but we know bias is one of them. As the medical community works to educate staff on the bias-induced disparities, practical strategies like active listening, empathetic questioning, and chronic stress management can be deployed to help improve outcomes for Black women and children. 🖤. #wellness #riskmanagement #blackmaternalhealth

Dr. Shed Boren, former LEAP board member, is graciously offering ACT therapy classes at our new reentry hub! With expertise in social work, healthcare, and advocacy, Dr. Boren's contributions have been invaluable in improving access to healthcare and social wellbeing for vulnerable populations in South Florida. But what is ACT? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an action-oriented approach to psychotherapy that equips individuals with the tools to acknowledge and accept negative feelings, thoughts, situations, or emotions without judgement. Through this acceptance, they commit to navigating through them with healthy, constructive thoughts and activities. The benefits? To help people live a meaningful life.   By integrating ACT therapy into our array of offerings, imagine the transformative impact this will have on our LEAP women.

USAging’s 2024 Policy Priorities are here! Read about the priorities that will shape our advocacy over the next year as we promote the agenda of America’s national network of 600+ AAAs and 270+ Title VI Native American Aging Programs. https://bit.ly/3Tp0odx

*Tomorrow* March 7, 12-1pm Eastern: We Live for the We, Join me in conversation with Dani McClain, author of We Live for the We: The Political Power of Black Motherhood. We'll explore how to address inequity and social conflict with children, and the importance of honest and responsible engagement. Additionally, we will delve into the unique challenges faced by single parents, emphasizing the need for community support, and Dani will share insights on the critical issue of Black maternal health during the postpartum period. Register here! https://lnkd.in/e3qFr7kz #BlackMotherhood #ParentingPanel #CommunitySupport #MaternalHealth #ParentingDiscussion #EquityInParenting