The Dimock Center’s Post

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

🖤 April 11-17 is Black Maternal Health Week! 🖤 It's a vital time for awareness, activism and community-building. Let's amplify the voices of Black mothers and spotlight the disparities they face. According to the CDC, Black women are nearly 3x as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes compared to white women. At Nurse-Family Partnership, we're committed to addressing and eliminating these disparities. Together, let's advocate for equitable care and support for all mothers. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW24

The Grassroots Maternal and Child Health Initiative is proud to support @CHC: Creating Healthier Communities as they disseminate the Black Birthing Initiative needs assessment survey. The Black Birthing Initiative aims to reduce preterm births in Black communities across the country: Black women are 50% more likely to deliver a premature baby than white women in the United States. Results from the survey will help inform programs to address the #maternalhealth crisis facing Black communities. Share your experience and share the survey! Visit the link to learn more about eligibility criteria: https://bit.ly/IndyBBI #CHCBBI #BlackMaternalHealth #healthequity #birthjustice

As Black Maternal Health Week draws to a close, we reflect on the critical issue facing our nation: Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, a stark disparity rooted in systemic racism and healthcare bias. This crisis is compounded by environmental injustices and limited access to essential resources like safe housing and nutritious food. While this designated week is ending, our efforts must not. We must continue to elevate these conversations, push for policy reform, and advocate for a healthcare system that serves all mothers equitably. Let’s carry the momentum forward and commit to making maternal health equity a reality for every Black mother. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #HealthEquity #EndMaternalMortality #BMHW #bmhw2024

Today is the first day of Black Maternal Health Week! Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, this initiative is a call to action to recognize and address the significant health disparities affecting Black mothers in the US. The goals are clear: - To deepen the national conversation about Black maternal health. - To amplify community-driven solutions and research. - To center the voices of Black mothers, women, families, and stakeholders. - To provide a national platform for Black-led efforts on maternal health and reproductive justice. - To enhance community organizing around these critical issues. By focusing on these objectives, Black Maternal Health Week aims to foster a healthcare environment that ensures equitable access and treatment for all mothers. It's a time to reaffirm our commitment to understanding and advocating for policies and practices that can make a difference in the lives of Black mothers and their families. Let's amplify this week to listen, learn, and act for positive change for black maternal health. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #BMHW #HealthEquity

The state of maternal health in America is disheartening and the stats for Black Mothers are abysmal. We need to keep the spotlight on the state of Black maternal health. Not only for this week or month but until we see equitable outcomes for Black women and families. We celebrate the many changemakers who are innovating in this space, to advance more comprehensive policies, practices, training and awareness. #BMHW24 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice #Maternalequity #Blackmaternalhealth #BirthEquity #ENDMaternalmortality

HRSA is proud to partner with #maternalhealth providers and stakeholders for Black Maternal Health Week. We recognize that many Black mothers face challenges in accessing quality health care. The reality is that Black mothers are 2-4 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. #HRSAhelpsmoms by supporting maternal health services like culturally-specific doula and home visiting programs that can make a positive impact in Black mothers’ lives. We are committed to increasing the public health workforce’s knowledge and skills to improve maternal health outcomes. During #BMHW24 and every day, let’s do our part to raise awareness of this unacceptable disparity and honor the resilience of Black mothers. Please share how you are partnering with purpose to improve Black maternal health. Let us know about your accomplishments. Post links to your programs. Share stories. Thank your partners. Use our toolkit: http://ms.spr.ly/6047cAjvT #HRSAhelpsMoms Learn more about our maternal health programs: http://ms.spr.ly/6048cAjvp

I recognize that every woman's maternal health journey is unlike my own. I will use my voice to raise awareness during #BlackMaternalHealthWeek! Let's talk about the unique challenges and disparities faced by Black mothers in accessing maternal healthcare. Black mothers in the U.S. experience significantly higher rates of maternal mortality compared to white mothers. This disparity exists for various reasons, including systemic racism, unequal access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic factors, and biases within the healthcare system. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring the well-being and safety of all mothers, regardless of race or ethnicity. I will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote equity and improve maternal health outcomes for Black mothers. When a mother loses her life, it not only impacts the family but also impacts the community. Empowered Women, Empowered Communities #RacismIsAPublicHealthCrisis #ListenToBlackWomen #TrustBlackWomen