Prevea360 Health Plan’s Post

Delve into the critical issue of Black maternal health with insights from Dr. Perkins, shedding light on the challenges and solutions to ensure the well-being of Black mothers. #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity

We are proud to recognize Black Maternal Health Week, April 11-17. “Each stage of pregnancy should be a positive experience, where women and their babies reach their full health potential,” explains Dr. Simone E. Edwards, DrPH, MPH, Univera Healthcare VP of Health Equity and community investments. “Unfortunately, there are differences in health outcomes for different groups of people. Some health disparities are the result of unfair and unjust causes that influence a person’s health. Women in majority Black communities face a 63% higher rate of complications related to pregnancy or childbirth than women in majority white communities.” At Univera Healthcare we are working to reduce maternal health disparities by 50% in five years. You can take action by knowing the urgent warning signs of a maternal health emergency. Learn more: https://bit.ly/33XK9uy

Given the U.S. has considerably high maternal mortality rates, black mothers are in the highest percentile to undergo complications during pregnancy when compared to their counterparts. As we normalize communicating and educating our peers on black mortality and morbidity, we can increase systemic change. Black Maternal Health Week is led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. In 2021, The White House created a proclamation that recognized Black Maternal Health Week. This week symbolizes seven years of diligence, prosperity, and advancement.  By acknowledging reproductive justice, we aim to eliminate all social determinants, but even more so those centered around race and gender which exclusively puts women of color at a disadvantage in achieving positive health outcomes. It is imperative to act as a vessel in educating clinicians on eliminating unconscious bias, being conscientious of maternal warning signs, and providing the same level of care to all. Starting today, let’s be proactive with setting goals and initiatives centered around improving statistics regarding black maternal health.     As Black Maternal Mental Health week comes to a close please view the Black Mamas Matter Alliance Website (https://lnkd.in/eRyCtZa) as we are sure you will find it informative!

Sadly, while this article focuses on the state of Massachusetts, it's the story of many of our states where Black women experience higher rates of pre-term births and severe morbidity and mortality. Our systems are failing moms and babies. Doulas can play an important role as we seek solutions to this crisis. #maternalhealth #mentalhealth #maternalmentalhealth #doulas #maternalmentalhealthmonth #futureofhealthcare https://lnkd.in/eV9-jCBw.

There’s an important discussion to be had on Black maternal health in Allegheny County! I was recently featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette discussing new research on Black maternal mortality rates in our community. As an OB/GYN, I'm deeply concerned. New research reveals Black women here face a disproportionately high maternal mortality rate, worse than the national average. These findings are alarming, but absolutely true. The data also aligns with historical redlining, highlighting the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes. So, how do we take action? Here are some ideas we can implement: Demand Change: Call your reps about Black maternal mortality. Share this article! Support Local Heroes: Donate to or volunteer at pregnancy resource centers. Choose Wisely: Seek culturally competent providers for yourself and others. By working together, we can dismantle these disparities and ensure all women in Allegheny County have the opportunity for a healthy pregnancy and motherhood. Head to the link below to read the full article and learn more. Let’s create a future where all mothers have a safe and healthy pregnancy. https://lnkd.in/enjS4gtm #MaternalHealthCareEquity #BlackMaternalHealthCare #HealthcareEquity

Black Maternal Health Week takes place annually from April 11-17 to bring attention and action in improving Black maternal health. "Each year in the United States, hundreds of people die during pregnancy or in the year after. Thousands more have unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery with serious short- or long-term health consequences." says the CDC. "Every pregnancy-related death is tragic, especially because more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable." Racial disparities are especially concerning. The CDC adds, "Black women are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. Multiple factors contribute to these disparities." You can read more from the CDC on the topic here: https://sames.ky/3VO8Pk6 Of course, at SameSky Health, improving maternal health is one of the ways that our CultureGuide® solution can support health plans as they work to improve health outcomes for members. Find out more: https://sames.ky/3n74MAo

Addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges to Black maternal health in the U.S. requires a comprehensive approach. Crysta Meekins, Program Manager at IFDHE, shares four takeaways following a post-screening discussion of “Toxic: A Black Woman’s Story,” a short educational film about racism, toxic stress and birth outcomes. #BlackHistoryMonth #HealthEquity #BlackMaternalHealth READ HERE: https://lnkd.in/dkfpSaKF

Did you know that 4 in 5 pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Just because Black Maternal Health Week is over, doesn't mean that standing up for the health and wellbeing of Black mothers and babies is. Check out this blog post by Action for Children Home Visiting Program Manager, Areesha Hunter, on the critical need to defend Black maternal health. 👶🏿 Black Ohioans face a staggering 164% higher infant mortality rate compared to white Ohioans, reflecting a national disparity that demands our attention. 🤱🏾 Empowering Black mothers isn't just about supporting them during pregnancy—it's about advocating for their rights, amplifying their voices, and dismantling systemic barriers to quality healthcare and support. Take Action to create a brighter, more equitable future for all mothers, caregivers, and children. Read & share the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eP35tKwx #BlackMaternalHealth #SupportBlackMothers #MaternalHealthEquity #ITakeActionFor #ActionFor ------- Action for Children’s Help Me Grow home visiting services are funded by the Ohio Department of Health. Action for Children is an affiliate of Healthy Families America.

As we reflect on Black Maternal Health Week, it's evident that addressing racial disparities in maternal healthcare is imperative. Recent insights underscore the systemic challenges faced by Black pregnant individuals, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy and reform. While legislative efforts for implicit bias training show promise, systemic changes within healthcare institutions are essential to ensure every pregnancy receives the dignity and quality care it deserves. #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #HealthEquity #Advocacy